Laotian nationality law

Laotian nationality law determines who is a citizen of Laos under a 1990 nationality law.[1] Laotian citizenship is typically acquired through ancestry (being born to Lao parents or to one Lao parent) or naturalisation. Citizenship can also be purchased through business investments and donations. Dual nationality is not authorized.[1]

Acquisition

Through ancestry

The nationality of children born to parents who are both Lao citizens is determined without regard to whether they were born inside or outside the territory of Laos. If one of the parents is a Lao citizen, the child will be considered a Lao citizen by birth under the following conditions:[1]

  • If the child is born within the territory of Laos.
  • If the child is born outside the territory of Laos, but at least one of the parents has a permanent address within the territory of Laos.

If both parents have permanent addresses outside the territory of Laos, the nationality of the child will be determined by the parents.[1]

In cases where one parent is a Lao citizen and the other parent is stateless (apatrid), the child will be considered a Lao citizen by birth, regardless of their place of birth, as stated in the Lao nationality law.[1]

Children born in the territory of Laos to apatrid parents who are permanently residing in the country and have integrated into Lao society and culture will be considered as Lao citizens.[1]

In the case of children found in the territory of Laos whose parents' identity is unknown, they will be considered as Lao citizens as well. However, if evidence emerges while these children are still minors that their parents are citizens of another country and hold foreign citizenship, they will be considered as citizens of that foreign country from birth.[1]

Naturalization

In order to acquire Lao nationality by naturalization , individuals must fulfill the following conditions:

  • Be at least eighteen years of age when applying for Lao nationality.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in Lao language.
  • Provide evidence of social and cultural integration, as well as knowledge and respect for Lao traditions.
  • Be in good health.
  • Not be under prosecution or in custody by the court.
  • Agree to relinquish their original nationality.
  • Have maintained permanent residence in Laos for a continuous period of ten years prior to applying for Lao nationality.[1]

History

Historically the first Laotian nationality law was passed in 1953.[2] By this law the Laotian nationality was generally acquired through paternal lineage. Legitimate children born to a Laotian parent or natural children recognized by their Laotian father, whether born in Laos or abroad, had Laotian nationality. A natural child recognized by their Laotian mother also had Laotian nationality. A child born in Laos to unknown parents was considered Laotian, unless they claim another nationality based on the presumption of their birth upon reaching adulthood.[2]

A Laotian woman who marries a foreigner retained her Laotian nationality, unless she expressly declared at the time of marriage her intention to acquire her spouse's nationality in accordance with the national law of the spouse. If a Laotian woman had retained her Laotian nationality, her children had the option to choose either nationality within one year of reaching adulthood.[2]

A foreigner who marries a Laotian followed the status of their spouse, unless their personal status allows them to retain their original nationality and they choose to exercise this right at the time of marriage. In the latter case, the children might choose their mother's nationality within one year of reaching adulthood.[2]

Individuals who met the conditions to exercise the right to choose a nationality, and who had been domiciled in Laos since reaching adulthood and are over the age of eighteen at the time of the enactment of this law, were considered Laotian nationals, unless they declined this nationality within one year from the date of publication of this law.[2]

This law did not apply to French nationals or their descendants. The existing status concerning them is maintained and can only be modified after an agreement between the French Government and the Laotian Royal Government.[2]

References
  1. "Law on Lao Nationality". travel.state.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  2. "Loi N'138 sur l'aquisition oe la perte de la nationalite laotienne du 6 avril 1953". Laws Concerning Nationality (PDF). United Nations Legislative Series. United Nations. 1954. pp. 283–284. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
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