Dual Citizenship Could Be a Bad Idea! See Benefits and Challenges

Dual Citizenship or also known as Dual Nationality and Multiple Nationality means to become a citizen of more than one countries. Almost every financially stable Pakistani wants to acquire dual citizenship. They believe by getting nationality of another country they can expand their world and opportunities. This may be true to some extent, there are also many challenges you have to face with dual nationality that people often forget to consider.

Pakistan is a developing country lacking opportunities while still coping with its own conservative perspectives. Bad education system and corrupt administration has also ensured not to let this country progress. In these circumstances, we find only one applicable solution to this problem and that is to move to another country.

Fortunately, we have the option to achieve the nationality of other countries. This way we can move in or out of that those countries without any visa and have same rights as their own citizens. However, there is more than just the perks we see. With dual nationality you should also be ready sacrifice on few things. This is what this article is about, here I have discussed the benefits and challenges that you will get with dual nationality. You should also know 7 Best Countries for Pakistani Nationals to Start a Business.

Countries in Dual Nationality Agreement with Pakistan

Challenges of Dual Citizenship

Conflict of Assistance in Foreign Country

It is thought that if a person with dual nationality gets himself in a legal problem in a foreign country, there will be two countries backing him up. The reality is entirely different and you may be unable to get support from even one country. If a dual citizen get arrested abroad, both countries try to get other country involved so they don’t have to take responsibility.

A fine example of this issue is a British-Iranian women, named Tulip Siddiq, who was arrested in Tehran in July, 2017. Dual nationals don’t get the same level of consular assistance compared to single citizen. She was denied any help by British government however, her three year old daughter got full support as she was only British citizen. There are also many other instances found like this in past decade.

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You Have to Pay Two Taxes

Multiple nationality gives you the right to buy property in these countries but you also have to pay regular taxes too. Whether you live in that country or not, you own a property/business or not; you still have to pay taxes. Pakistan has very low tax rates compared developed countries. You will be required to pay taxes in both countries according to your income.

Nationality of Enemies:

We never know when relations between two may take a turn. In case of political conflicts or a war, you may be forced to give up one of the citizenships. For example, if you are a dual national of Pakistan and USA. If relations between two countries take a grim turn then you may be forced to retreat either American or Pakistani nationality.

I researched for it but didn’t found any such instance in history. However, it is still a possibility to be considered. One should think it through and look in to the future when deciding to get residency of another country.

Here See: Top 8 Countries Pakistanis Should Never Consider for Migration

Disqualified from Government Position

Pakistan does not allow anyone to run for public office if he/she has dual nationality. Moreover, you can’t sit in assemblies, stand for election or join Pakistan army. The same is the case with many other countries. They have strict rules over this and you must retreat dual nationality in order hold these designations.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

There are these challenges discussed above but we should also take the benefits of dual citizenship into account. A person with dual nationality also has more freedom and opportunities despite mentioned the restrictions.

Two Passports Better than One:

Dual citizenship means two passports. You can have nationality of even more than 2 countries. Pakistan passport is third worst passport in the world and gets the lowest priority when you apply for a foreign visa. Two passports are more valuable and increase your chances of easy acceptance. If you love to travel then two passports will make sure that you are never rejected any visa.

See Also: Top 10 Countries With Highest Salary Expectation for Pakistani Workers in 2018

Live in Either Country:

You have two countries that you can call your home. You can go to either country without any visa and no one will ask you purpose of your visit. Dual citizenship allow you to stay as long as you want and leave for as long as you want. You are given the right to vote and buy a property for yourself giving you access to two different social systems.

More Secure than Others:

As you have two homes, you are more secure in case than other people with single nationality. God forbid, if system falls or a war breaks out, you always have your other home that will welcome you no questions asked. Syrians are an example of this. All with dual nationality had no trouble fleeing. On the other hand, whole world saw what happened with others as no one was allowing them in their country. They now live as refugee in different countries after the death of hundreds.

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Usama Ahmed Awan The Editor of Migration.pk, Usama is a BZU studied Software Engineer, now a Teacher, Article Writer, Educational Counselor and Journalist. He has been  writing to assist people selecting the right career path.