Nearly 200 of them were from Southeast Asia, according to data secured by Hatzlacha, an Israeli volunteer emergency medical service NGO. The list includes 111 Filipinos, 71 Thais, four Vietnamese, two Singaporeans and one Indonesian recorded as serving in the Israeli military.

Across Asia more broadly, the numbers are also notable: 201 Indian passport holders, 76 Japanese, nine each from Hong Kong and South Korea, seven from China, three from Taiwan , and two each from Nepal and Sri Lanka.

There have been no reported convictions of dual nationals over Gaza-related crimes so far, though complaints have been filed in several countries.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it was aware of reports that two Singaporeans fought with the IDF but had no substantiated information confirming this. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults.

Indonesia ’s foreign ministry said it could not immediately confirm the reported case of an Indonesian national but would coordinate with relevant agencies. 

Thailand , which permits dual nationality, does not criminalise foreign military service in general circumstances.

Does your country have a national fighting for Israel?

According to Edy Eko Putranto, Director General for Residence Permits at the Immigration Department, at least five people have already applied for the programme, though their applications are still under review.

“We are involving a team to make those reviews first. We have to find out whether these people are eligible or not,” Edy told state news agency Antara.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility for the GCI programme extends beyond former Indonesian citizens. It also includes: Children and grandchildren of former Indonesian nationals, spouses of Indonesian citizens, and children born to marriages between Indonesian citizens and foreigners. However, the programme comes with strict exclusions. It does not apply to individuals from territories that were once part of Indonesia, nor to people linked to separatist movements. Those who have served as civil servants, intelligence officers or military personnel in foreign countries are also barred from applying.

What does it offer?

Successful applicants will receive an unlimited stay permit, allowing them to live and work in Indonesia without the need for repeated visa renewals. While it stops short of full citizenship, the permit provides long-term legal stability and access to employment benefits that many in the Indonesian diaspora have long sought.

Officials have described the scheme as a practical alternative to dual citizenship, balancing national sovereignty concerns with the desire to attract skills, investment and cultural ties from overseas Indonesians.

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.

The move marks a significant shift in a country that maintains a strict ban on dual citizenship. For decades, those with mixed heritage or long-term family connections to Indonesia have been forced to choose between legal status and emotional belonging, often leaving many feeling distanced from the country despite deep roots.

The policy is aimed particularly at former Indonesian nationals and members of the Indonesian diaspora who have either lost or never held Indonesian citizenship. It also addresses long-standing challenges faced by foreigners married to Indonesian citizens, who have historically been restricted by complex residency rules.

Announcing the programme, Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Agus Andrianto said the GCI was designed to resolve the longstanding debate around dual nationality. 

“GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals (WNA) who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations,” he said.

He added that the new policy demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity to keep pace with global migration trends. 

“GCI is a solution addressing the polemic of dual nationality by granting extensive residency rights to foreigners closely connected to Indonesia, without changing their foreign citizenship status and without violating national regulations,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Immigration, eligible individuals include former Indonesian citizens; their descendants up to the second generation; spouses of Indonesians or former Indonesians; and children born to a legally recognised mixed-nationality marriage.

The programme will not be universally available. Those excluded include applicants from countries once within Indonesia’s territorial borders, foreign military personnel, intelligence officers and individuals involved in separatist movements.

The GCI sits alongside Indonesia’s existing visa categories, including the much-publicised Golden Visa, which targets major investors and highly skilled professionals and offers residency for five to ten years. For tourists or short-stay visitors—particularly in popular destinations such as Bali—the 30-day e-Visa on Arrival remains the standard option and can be extended once.

Minister Andrianto said the ministry would ensure that the GCI offers legal clarity, administrative simplicity and international competitiveness. 

He pointed to similar schemes overseas, such as India’s Overseas Citizenship of India programme, as evidence that such policies can succeed without compromising sovereignty.

For Andrianto, this reform signalled a shift in Indonesia’s immigration philosophy. 

“Indonesian Immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. GCI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but will continue to transform following the development of the times,” he said.

Under the Nationality Act as it operated at the time of their births, children of Japanese men could acquire nationality by descent. In practice, however, courts rely on documentary proof, marriage certificates, formal acknowledgements of paternity, or other official records that establish the legal parent-child relationship. The three applicants argued that wartime chaos and post-war turmoil destroyed those records.

The judges found that, absent such documentation, the legal requirements were not met, even though one applicant says his father personally acknowledged him after being repatriated to Japan, and another submitted a DNA test showing a 99.9% probability of blood relation to Japanese relatives.

Weeks of mounting frustration over power cuts, water shortages, rising living costs, and corruption brought thousands of protesters onto the streets across Madagascar. The demonstrations, largely driven by young people, intensified pressure on Rajoelina’s government.

As unrest spread, an elite military unit launched a coup, claiming to be acting in response to public demands. Facing escalating threats, Rajoelina fled the country, later saying he feared for his life.

Why was Rajoelina stripped of citizenship?

On Friday, Madagascar’s new authorities announced that Rajoelina had been formally stripped of his Malagasy nationality after it emerged he had acquired French citizenship in 2014 — a move that violates the country’s nationality laws, which forbid dual citizenship for sitting presidents.

Officials argued that by obtaining French nationality, Rajoelina had automatically forfeited his Malagasy citizenship, rendering his presidency constitutionally invalid.

Who is leading the country now?

Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who led the coup, was sworn in as head of state on 17 October. He has promised to organise elections within two years and restore civilian rule. However, his government faces scepticism both at home and abroad over its legitimacy and the timeline for a return to democracy.

What’s the link to the money-laundering case in Mauritius?

The crisis took another turn when Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a prominent businessman and close ally of Rajoelina, was arrested in Mauritius. He is accused of laundering more than $160 million through assets in the country.

According to a spokesperson for Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Ravatomanga was detained at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he had gone for treatment. The FCC said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” he had managed several entities involved in handling proceeds from criminal activities.

Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s arrest but declined to comment on the allegations.

The former president’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has sought asylum abroad. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s transitional government faces the challenge of stabilising a nation once again plunged into political uncertainty.

According to Fifa, the players had only “doctored documentation.” Each was fined 2,000 Swiss francs ($2,500), while the Malaysian body faces a separate 350,000 Swiss franc ($440,000) penalty.

They will serve a 12-month ban, dimming title hopes for a country that has never won the Asian Cup or qualified for the World Cup — despite football being the top sport in the nation of 35 million.

“The Committee wished to highlight that it concurred with the conclusion of the Investigatory Reports, specifically, that the original birth certificates indicated a sharp contrast to the documentation provided,” said Jorge Palacio, deputy chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, in the decision. 

“This admission, so finds the Committee, indicates that the Malaysian government ’s validation process may not have been based on original documents, which calls into question the thoroughness of FAM’s verification process,” he continued.

Malaysia’s football body said the suspension stemmed only from a “technical error” and vowed to comply with the appeals process to revert the decision.

“The association strongly denied that players deliberately sought to circumvent eligibility rules,” FAM said.

Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, owner of the powerful Johor Darul Takzim Football Club, said Fifa flip-flopped on its decision.

“FAM has followed the proper process and cooperated with Fifa and the Malaysian government,” he said. “Fifa has approved this, so why has the decision changed now? What happened that suddenly led to such a decision?”

FAM said it “is awaiting the full judgment from Fifa before filing an appeal in accordance with the existing legal process.”

Malaysia currently leads its qualifying group with six points from two matches, though their standing could change pending further FIFA sanctions . Vietnam and Laos trail with three points each, while Nepal remains winless.

Constitutional Court judges openly criticised suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Hlalefang Motinyane for delaying her own legal case against Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s attempt to remove her from office. The situation has been further complicated by the Law Society of Lesotho, which filed an urgent application against her suspension.

Heated debate over parliament’s M1 billion budget bid

Lawmakers sparked controversy after proposing that Parliament receive 3% of the national budget, over M1 billion. Critics, including the Minister of Law and Justice, argued the move would be fiscally irresponsible and excessive, especially given Lesotho’s fragile public finances.

Opposition questions defence force reappointment

Opposition parties raised alarm over Prime Minister Matekane’s decision to reappoint Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela as Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force. Critics argue the move reflects a lack of transparency and highlights Matekane’s close ties with the military leadership.

Lesotho–South Africa water deal under review

Lesotho and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a key regional infrastructure initiative. Ministers from both countries discussed ways to manage cost overruns and delays, signalling a potential overhaul of project agreements.

Controversial citizenship bill sparks debate

Law and Justice Minister Lebohang Hlaele defended a proposed amendment to the Citizenship Order, which would reserve high-ranking government positions exclusively for indigenous Basotho. While supporters say it protects national identity, critics warn it risks undermining inclusivity and merit-based governance.

If passed, it would provide a one-time opportunity for Tunisians who are eligible to get a car at a cost price, either by importing it or buying from a registered dealer.

The plan targets individuals over the age of 30 and families whose income is below a certain limit.

It also makes provision for where the income cap is set at 18 times the guaranteed minimum wage, while for singles, it is 12 times.

In an effort to be more inclusive, the bill also gives preference to families who care for a person with a disability, especially those who haven’t previously received a specially adapted vehicle.

To qualify, the vehicle must be less than 10 years old at the time of purchase or import and must be acquired through an official dealership.

It is expected that lawmakers will begin discussing the bill after the parliamentary break, alongside debates on the national budget.

It is expected to benefit groups such as the Moken people and others from long-residing ethnic communities who are already included in the national database.

Government officials say about 140,000 people may qualify under the new criteria, provided they follow the required steps and meet the set conditions .

Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich said the policy follows a cabinet decision aimed at solving long-standing problems of legal identity and social exclusion for those who have lived in Thailand for decades.

Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampantarat said the policy would not apply to migrant workers, displaced people in temporary shelters, or foreign nationals with passports.

“These individuals are not undocumented migrants or illegal foreigners,” he said.

Applicants living in Bangkok must apply at the Department of Provincial Administration, while those in other provinces can file their paperwork at district offices.

The regulation will be in effect for one year from the announcement date, unless extended by the government.

The move will offer a faster path to citizenship compared to Argentina’s current rules, which require two years of permanent residency before applying.

Instead, the investment programme will give eligible applicants direct access to Argentine citizenship, according to Nomad Capitalist , a firm that advises international investors.

“The focus is on job-generating contributions, not real estate or donations,” Isabela Schrotke, a researcher at the firm said.

According to her, government is working on two legal decrees to ensure the programme is built on a solid foundation and can withstand legal challenges.

Supporters of the new programme say it comes at a time of major change in Argentina.

President Javier Milei, who took office in December 2023, has introduced tough reforms aimed at stabilising the country’s economy.

Inflation has started to slow, and Argentina has reported a budget surplus for the first time in years.

The citizenship opportunity will allow foreigners who have an Argentine passport to travel visa-free to 172 destinations and give them the right to live and work in other Mercosur nations, including Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

However, the proposal has drawn some criticism.

Experts warn that Argentina’s political history and long distance from global business hubs may make it less attractive to some investors.

Some legal issues have also been raised, including the fact that citizens will be considered under local law , which could have tax or legal consequences depending on the person’s other nationality.

The report showed that corruption, poverty, and jobs are the biggest concerns for citizens across the country.

The report collected views from almost 19,000 people chosen at random from all over Vietnam. About 23 percent said corruption is the biggest issue the government should fix.

This is a sharp rise compared to last year. The increase is likely linked to several major corruption trials that have made headlines in 2024.

Even though people are more worried about corruption, fewer citizens said they had to pay bribes for public services this year. This suggests that some small improvements have been made at the local level.

The study also found that fewer families are struggling financially compared to 2023. Only around 10 percent of people said their household’s financial situation was “poor” or “very poor,” the best result since 2019.

Still, many are concerned about poverty and job security. Around 14 percent said poverty remains a top issue, and about 13 percent pointed to problems with employment .

Vietnam’s economy grew strongly by 7.09 percent in 2024, but many families, especially vulnerable groups, still feel insecure.

Social insurance could help, but only about 29 percent of people are covered, and the numbers are even lower among farmers, informal workers, and ethnic minorities.

“Expanding coverage under the 2024 Social Insurance Law will help address citizens’ concerns about poverty and economic instability,” said Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Irish Ambassador to Vietnam.

The report also showed that nearly 40 percent of families were hit by extreme weather events like floods and storms in the past year. It warned that climate change is making life harder for many communities.

In an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cultural exchange, India's High Commission has initiated a monthly programme called 'Karibu Tanzanian Youth'. The inaugural session had 30 students from Academic International Secondary School participate in Dar es Salaam. High Commissioner Bishwadip Dey underscored the essential role of the youth in shaping future relationships between India and Tanzania while acknowledging the growing cultural and trade interactions, particularly as Tanzania prepares to be the partner country for India’s Surajkund Mela in 2024.

Tanzania leads Africa's energy transformation

Tanzania is steadily positioning itself as a beacon of energy transformation within the African continent, aspiring to achieve an energy capacity expansion to 4,000 megawatts by the end of this year, predominantly harnessing renewable energy sources. During the Africa Energy Summit 2025 held in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Doto Biteko articulated the country's ambition to provide electricity to 300 million people across Africa within five years. Notably, the nation's electricity output has risen from 21 megawatts at its independence to over 3,160 megawatts today.

Energy progress

World Bank President Ajay Banga commended Tanzania for its strides in improving electricity access at the ongoing Africa Energy Summit . He reinforced the necessity for collective action and robust partnerships, especially with the private sector, to achieve Africa's overarching energy objectives. Banga reiterated the commitment to connect 300 million individuals to electricity while addressing critical issues such as land acquisition and financial frameworks needed for development. The report from Deputy Prime Minister Dr Doto Biteko highlighted the increase in Tanzania's electricity capacity as reassurance for regional cooperation and advancement.

Medical supplies

The World Health Organization (WHO) has transported 1.4 tonnes of medical supplies to Tanzania to address a Marburg virus disease outbreak in the Kagera region. This response follows the confirmation of a second case by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The supplies , dispatched from Nairobi, Kenya, are aimed at bolstering patient management and infection control measures. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed that $3 million from emergency funds has been allocated to support this initiative, supplementing an earlier $50,000 earmarked for initial investigative efforts.

Tanzanian citizenship

In sporting news, Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Keyekeh has officially attained Tanzanian citizenship , thereby qualifying him to represent the national football team, Taifa Stars. The Tanzanian Immigration Department has confirmed his naturalisation as well as that of two additional foreign players. Currently playing for Singida Black Stars, Keyekeh previously had spells with Karela United and an unsuccessful stint at Asante Kotoko. His current club has publicly supported the players throughout the citizenship application process, stressing that matters of citizenship fall outside their jurisdiction and control.

The top three countries with the highest military naturalisations were the Philippines with 5,630, Jamaica with 5,420, and Mexico with 3,670.

Together with Nigeria and Ghana, these five countries accounted for over 38% of all military naturalisations in the last four years.

The number of Nigerians gaining U.S. citizenship through the military has steadily increased, starting with 340 in 2020 and reaching 930 in 2024.

Most of these service members served in the U.S. Army, which accounted for 60% of military naturalisations. Other branches included the Navy (20.4%), Air Force (10.6%), and Marine Corps (6.6%).

The report revealed that most naturalised service members were aged between 22 and 30, with a median age of 27. About 17% were 21 or younger, and only 5% were older than 40.

Gender distribution showed that men made up 73% of those naturalised, though the proportion of women has slightly increased over the years.

The proposed amendments, the Citizen Tanzania reports, will enable Tanzanians abroad to own property, including land, in Tanzania and grant them the right to transfer or inherit such assets. Additionally, Tanzanians holding foreign passports would be exempt from the rigorous visa procedures applied to other foreign nationals. 

To formalise these changes, the Immigration Act will introduce a 'Diaspora Tanzanite Card' for non-citizen Tanzanians who obtain special status. "A card issued in terms of this Act shall be valid for ten years and may be renewed," states the Bill in part. The Diaspora Tanzanite Card will grant former Tanzanians and their descendants a special status, allowing them to enter, reside, and participate in Tanzania's economic and social activities without needing Tanzanian citizenship.

With a population exceeding 67 million, Tanzania has a relatively small diaspora community —about 320,000 as of 2020—compared to neighbouring Kenya, which has approximately 3 million Kenyans living abroad. 

Tanzania’s government hopes the ‘special status’ initiative will drive an increase in diaspora remittances, which play a crucial role in the national economy, from $751 million in 2023 to a projected $1.5 billion by 2028. This upward trend marks significant growth from the $430 million recorded in 2018.

Ghana launches first 5G network, aims to become West Africa's digital hub

Ghana has launched its first 5G network, marking a significant step in its digital transformation and economic growth. Developed by Next-Gen InfraCo, this network promises faster connectivity and better coverage. Read more here .

Tanzania aims to lead as food hub in East Africa

Tanzania plans to become a regional food hub, aiming for self-sufficiency in food production and supplies. President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced this during a roundtable in Des Moines, USA. Read more here .

32 Nigerian minors charged with treason over 'End Bad Governance' protests

Thirty-two Nigerian minors, aged 14 to 17, face treason charges after participating in the August "EndBadGovernance" protests. The protests, highlighting economic hardship, called for reinstating the petrol subsidy, food security, and fiscal discipline. Read more here .

Asia

Despite bans, firecrackers sizzle across India for Diwali

Firecrackers are central to Diwali celebrations for millions of Indian Hindus. Despite bans in cities like New Delhi to curb pollution, the festival, honouring Lord Rama's return, was celebrated on Thursday, November 31. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, explaining the importance of fireworks. Read more here .

Thailand to grant citizenship to nearly 500,000 migrants and minorities

Nearly 500,000 migrants, including 142,000 children and individuals from ethnic minorities and indigenous groups, will be granted citizenship by the Thai government. This move aims to help these groups contribute more easily to the economy. Read more here .

Marriage registrations in China drop for the first nine months of 2024

China recorded a drop in marriage registrations for the first nine months of 2024, with 4.747 million couples registered, a decrease of 943,000 from the previous year. This comes as the country implements measures to address declining population levels. Read more here .

Latin America

8 Mexican judges resign after controversial reforms

Eight of Mexico’s 11 Supreme Court justices have resigned in protest of reforms allowing citizens to directly elect all judges. The resignations take effect on August 31, 2025, following a national election on June 1, 2025. The bill, proposed by the federal government, was approved by the Senate with 86 votes in favour and 41 against. Read more here .

Brazil surprised by Venezuela's 'offensive tone' as diplomatic row escalates

The Brazilian foreign ministry expressed surprise at the "offensive tone" from Venezuelan authorities, calling it a departure from the respectful treatment Brazil extends to Venezuela. Earlier this week, Venezuela recalled its ambassador over "interventionist and rude statements" from Brazil, also criticising President Lula's top foreign policy advisor, Celso Amorim. Read more here .

Magnitude 5.6 earthquake strikes Argentina's Mendoza region, EMSC says

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Argentina's Mendoza region at a depth of 120 km, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Read more here .

The move, which will affect about 483,000 people, is aimed at helping these groups contribute more easily to the Thai economy .

Many of these individuals have been living in Thailand since 1984 without legal status.

By speeding up citizenship applications, officials say migrant workers will be able to travel freely and work more efficiently, which they hope will boost the economy.

Under the previous system, it would have taken 44 years to complete all these applications.

The secretary-general of the National Security Council, Chatchai Bangchuad, told local reporters that migrant workers from neighbouring countries will not have the right to Thai citizenship, even if they have lived and worked in the country for more than 15 years.

Thailand depends heavily on migrant workers in areas such as construction, manufacturing, and farming.

The new measure is expected to improve conditions for these workers while supporting the country’s economic needs.

Individuals with permanent resident cards, green cards or valid visas from the United States , the United Kingdom or any European Union nation qualify to benefit from this.

Qualified individuals must also possess passports that are valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.

The new arrangement comes following previous measures aimed at easing Indian travellers who are seen as important to Dubai’s tourism market.

In February 2023, Emirates Airlines, in partnership with VFS Global, introduced a pre-approved visa-on-arrival service for Indian passport holders for travellers to bypass queues upon arrival in Dubai.

That same month, Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals to strengthen business , tourism, and economic ties between India and the UAE.

The petition, submitted by unidentified petitioners, seeks to reintegrate the children and grandchildren of Moroccan Jews into Moroccan society. It also calls for a mechanism allowing Jewish families to reclaim properties lost during emigration and urges Morocco to collaborate with countries where these descendants now live to "protect them."

In 1948, Morocco was home to the largest Jewish community in North Africa, with approximately 260,000 Jews. However, many left over the following decades, with around 90% of their descendants now residing in Israel. The rest have settled in countries like France, Spain, the United States, Canada, and Latin American nations.

The proposed law has stirred controversy, with critics warning it could enable Israeli soldiers of Moroccan descent to acquire Moroccan citizenship, heightening security concerns. The proposal has garnered fewer than 300 signatures out of the 20,000 required for formal consideration by parliament.

Some pro-Palestinian groups have condemned the initiative as a "Zionist attempt" to influence Moroccan political institutions, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Jewish community in Morocco, which currently numbers around 2,000, largely remains neutral on political matters. However, community leaders have criticised both the violence in Gaza and the citizenship proposal, labelling it discriminatory.

"Killing civilians, women, and children has nothing to do with our religion," said Jackie Kadouch, head of the Jewish community in Marrakech, in reference to the conflict in Gaza.

The conflict has led to significant casualties, with over 40,000 deaths reported after a year of fighting, most of them civilians. This includes a substantial number of women and children, as well as approximately 1,000 health workers . Hospitals have also been heavily affected, with many destroyed during Israeli airstrikes.

Recent Israeli strikes in northern Gaza have continued to claim lives, including an attack in Beit Lahiya , a city near the Israeli border, where at least 87 people were killed in a single strike.

The investigation centred on allegations that her mother, of Mozambican descent, committed "identity theft" to obtain South African citizenship.

Despite holding a South African passport, Adetshina had to exit the Miss South Africa competition, opening the door for her successful participation in Miss Universe Nigeria.

Representing Nigeria’s northeastern state of Taraba, she secured the crown on August 31.

Recounting the xenophobic abuse, Adetshina told the BBC , "It's just not a nice feeling, I think I've been avoiding it a lot and only now it's started to cloud me… It's something I will work on and see a therapist." She admitted to suppressing her emotions throughout the ordeal.

In August, as she prepared for the Nigerian beauty pageant, Adetshina spoke about the difficulties she endured, stating that the backlash was “not an easy experience” and left her crying herself to sleep.

Xenophobia in South Africa remains a pressing issue, with sporadic and sometimes deadly violence against foreign nationals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and both documented and undocumented migrants. Groups like Operation Dudula, originally founded to address crime and drug issues in Gauteng province, have shifted focus to targeting foreign nationals, calling for mass deportations and restricting immigrants' access to healthcare and other services, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW) .

Despite the challenges, the beauty queen affirmed her identity by saying she still sees herself as “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian.”

Adetshina, a law student who last visited Nigeria 20 years ago as a young child, has decided to extend her stay in the country of her father's birth to reconnect with her roots. In November, she will represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe competition in Mexico.

On August 5, 2024, the Miss South Africa organisers, with written consent from Adetshina and her mother, requested the Department of Home Affairs to verify Adetshina’s citizenship. The Department responded with a thorough investigation, involving archival research, hospital visits, and site inspections to uncover the truth.

Preliminary findings suggested that fraud and identity theft might have been involved in the registration of Adetshina’s birth. A statement from the Department noted, "There are prima facie reasons to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed. Adetshina could not have participated in these actions as she was an infant in 2001 when the alleged activities took place. An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen, suffered as a result because she could not register her child."

The investigation is expanding to identify any officials who may have been complicit in the fraudulent scheme, with legal advice being sought on the implications for Adetshina's citizenship status, the Department further stated.

Adetshina withdraws from Miss South Africa

While Adetshina did not directly address the Department's findings, she took to Instagram to announce her withdrawal from the competition. "Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey. However, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I," she shared, expressing her gratitude for the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation.

Public apologies and broader consequences

In the wake of the controversy, several public figures who had previously supported Adetshina issued apologies to South Africans, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. The scandal has not only affected the beauty pageant but also sparked wider discussions about identity, fraud, and the responsibilities of public figures.

Impact on international events

The controversy also had international ramifications. South Africa was withdrawn as the "country in focus" at the 2024 Puebla International Literature Festival (PILF), a prestigious event organized by the Africa Center Mexico . The festival, known for celebrating literature and cultural exchange, decided to distance itself from South Africa in light of the unfolding events.

In a statement, the festival organisers emphasised their commitment to justice and integrity: “The Puebla International Literature Festival aims to position itself as a beacon for the celebration of diverse voices, cultures, and ideas. We believe that literature has the power to challenge the status quo, to speak to authority, and to give a voice to the voiceless. However, we cannot, in good conscience, honour a country as a focal point of our celebration when it is currently embroiled in such profound injustices as has been currently gathering momentum following the Miss South Africa beauty pageantry.”

What they said

In an interview, Chidimma said “I was so excited to enter Miss SA and honestly, I didn’t think that far as to what the public would think. But once I got to the top 16, that’s when I felt it. People on X [formally known as Twitter] were asking why I'm competing because I’m not South African. They questioned my nationality, along with my parents," she said. Adding, “At first I ignored it but as I progressed in the competition, the criticism started growing by the day. Until I thought to myself, I am representing a country but I don’t feel the love from the people I’m representing – I even asked myself, ‘Is it worth it?’…“You try so hard to represent your country and wear it with so much pride but all these people are not in support of you… I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t know what to say or not to say because this is such a sensitive topic. I don’t want to end up saying something and then offend people," she said .  “I’m at a point where I don’t know whether I should keep quiet or set the record straight because there’s a lot that’s being misconstrued. To me, I see this as an opportunity where I can educate people, I just need to see how I go about it,” she is quoted. McKenzie also said in a post on X that, “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already," he said on X.

Citizens inside Cuba are not affected by this law except under serious reasons where the citizenship of government opponents needs to be revoked.

Cuban lawmakers also approved the Foreigners Law to regulate foreign citizens on the island and the Migration Law which allows authorities to ban the entry of any persons whose entry into Cuba is likely to threaten the security and peace of the country.

These persons include individuals or groups related to “hostile actions against the political, economic, and social foundations of the Cuban State” or for “reasons of defense and national security,” local news platform Confidencial reports.

The Migration Law also allows authorities to stop anyone considered a priority worker for the State from leaving the country for reasons of defense and national security to ensure the security and protection of official information or the public interest of the country.

The law is expected to take effect 180 days after it is formalised by the National Assembly. The President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez will have the right to implement the law.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by human rights defenders and organisations about the Citizenship Law, citing Nicaragua’s example.

The government of Nicaragua more than 300 political opponents of their citizenship in February this year. An appeals court justice announced the revocation of the citizenship of 94 persons following an earlier situation where the citizenship of 222 people were revoked and they were sent to the United States .

Other details of the law

The new law also establishes that Cuban citizenship is acquired by birth on the island and through naturalization for foreigners.

It also indicates that one does not lose their Cuban citizenship if they acquire a foreign citizenship.

Under the law, children of Cuban parents born on the island who have renounced, lost, or were deprived of Cuban citizenship, can also apply for citizenship when they reach adulthood.