Why Algeria is revising citizenship rules after 50 years
Algeria is preparing to overhaul its citizenship law for the first time in more than five decades, as lawmakers argue that the country’s legal framework no longer reflects today’s political, social and security realities.
A proposed amendment to the Nationality Law, now before parliament, seeks to tighten the conditions for acquiring Algerian citizenship and clarify the circumstances under which it can be withdrawn. Supporters of the reform, particularly MP Hisham Safar, said the current law, adopted in the early 1970s, was written for a very different era and needs updating to align with Algeria’s constitution and international obligations.
Under the proposal, citizenship would be more closely linked to “genuine ties” to the state, including long-term residence, good conduct and social and linguistic integration. The change is aimed at preventing abuse of existing rules and reducing broad interpretations that have emerged over time.
The draft law also introduces clearer grounds for stripping nationality in exceptional cases, such as involvement in terrorism, actions that seriously harm state interests, or allegiance to a foreign power. Any such decision would require a presidential decree, prior warnings and the right to challenge the move through legal channels.
Officials stress that the changes are meant to close legal loopholes in order to preserve citizenship revocation as a last resort.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
