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National Dialogue on Extending Surinamese Citizenship to Diaspora

Calls for National Dialogue on Extending Surinamese Nationality to Dutch Citizens Abroad

National Dialogue on Extending Surinamese Citizenship to Diaspora

Rabin Parmessar of the NDP advocates for a national discussion to enable the granting of Surinamese nationality to the so-called diaspora, Surinamese individuals with Dutch nationality residing outside Suriname. An excellent idea, though I do not wish to argue my own case, I don’t want to make a personal plea. This grant is possible based on the principle of ius soli, the right to have the nationality of the country in which one is born. There is also ius sanguinis in Nationality Law, the right to have the nationality of your parents, either father and/or mother. That is, the blood connection.

“Surinam Airways would not even exist without Surinamese abroad.”

One can have nationality based on both systems, although dual citizenship can sometimes lead to problems, especially when a country may not or does not want to extradite its nationals to another country. Of course, it is possible to have three nationalities, from the country of birth, from your father, and from your mother. Other options become too complicated.

Status of Persons of Surinamese Origin (PSA)

The NDP introduced the Persons of Surinamese Origin (PSA) document instead of granting Surinamese nationality to these individuals when the party had the power to do so. Now, the party wants a national discussion on the matter, while the VHP is already in favor, at least President Santokhi has indicated so for some time. Granted, to selected individuals, but still.

One could argue that there is already almost the required majority for this in the National Assembly (DNA). So why is a national discussion still necessary? It is clear that diehard nationalists lack clarity about their motives for not granting rights to the diaspora.

However, the diaspora feels overwhelmingly connected to Suriname. That is quite normal. Where you are born continues to attract you. This connection is also evident in the daily contact that Surinamese people, both inside and outside Suriname, have with each other.

Surinam Airways would not even exist without Surinamese abroad. You would be surprised how much money Surinamese abroad (SuriNeds) send to Suriname. Whether you like it or not, we are always connected. We can’t help that we were brought to Suriname from different parts of the world.

There were, of course, already people living in Suriname. The fact that some of us sought refuge outside Suriname, especially in the Netherlands, is often due to economic reasons. Sometimes, of course, it is also due to politics. Many Surinamese return to live in Suriname, not only retirees. Children and grandchildren want to get to know the country of their parents.

Despite everything, we want to help build Suriname. This is because we love the country. Don’t be angry if you feel that we, SuriNeds, often think we know better. When one has a different or broader world orientation, it is logical to have differences in thinking.

This is where dialogue comes in. Mature dialogue. Do you want to participate? Well, if the NDP and VHP have managed to change the Constitution and Electoral Regulations to introduce nationwide proportional representation in no time, why not grant Surinamese nationality to SuriNeds?

Rinaldo van Rhemen

Date: 7 January 2024

Categories:   

Tags:  Local Content Beleid, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi 

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