Burundi: Information on naturalization of refugees of Rwanda in Burundi
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 February 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BDI13131 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Burundi: Information on naturalization of refugees of Rwanda in Burundi, 1 February 1993, BDI13131, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac381c.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to Country Reports 1991, Burundi citizenship may only be acquired through birth from Burundi parents or by marriage (1992, 38).
According to the World Refugee Survey 1992, Rwandese refugees were not eligible for Burundian citizenship until 1991. In February 1992 there was a meeting between the government of Rwanda, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Organization of African Unity and the government of Burundi during which the government of Burundi pledged to offer citizenship to Rwandan refugees (1992, 38). Written information on whether citizenship can be offered today to a Rwandan refugee in Burundi is currently unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa.
According to a consular officer at the Embassy of Burundi, naturalization of Rwandan refugees in Burundi has been accepted in principle, but the officer was unable to confirm whether there has been any law implemented to effect such naturalization (9 Feb. 1993). According to the consular officer, it is possible to acquire Burundian citizenship. The applicant must apply to the Burundian authorities for citizenship and must have lived in Burundi for more than ten years in order to be eligible to apply (Ibid.).
Additional or corroborating information is currently unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa.
References
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1991. 1992. U.S. Department of State. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Embassy of Burundi, Ottawa. 9 February 1993. Telephone interview with consular officer.
World Refugee Survey 1992. 1992. Washington: U.S. Committee for Refugees.
Attachments
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1991. 1992. U.S. Department of State. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.
World Refugee Survey 1992. 1992. Washington: U.S. Committee for Refugees.
