UNIVERSAL / KEY PRINCIPLES 1 2 Not all children born in a country, are citizens of that country A common mistake many people make is to assume that a child obtains the citizenship of the country where they are born. In truth, most countries do not grant citizenship to all children born in their territory. Most countries grant citizenship to the children of their citizens. This is the case in South Africa. This, and other ways to acquire citizenship in South Africa are explained in this guide. No two countries have the same rules All countries have different rules about how, and to whom, they grant citizenship and issue documentation to their residents. No two countries have the same rules, but every country must ensure that they do not exclude children from citizenship and documentation, based on discriminatory laws, or practice. Human rights principles must be followed. Some principles are universal and apply to all countries, such as: Every child is entitled to a birth certificate immediately after birth. The country where the child is born is responsible to issue the child with a birth certificate. Every person has the right to proof of their citizenship. 3 Most people will have at least two documents in their lifetime. The first document is a birth certificate, and the second is a document proving their citizenship. In South Africa, a child needs both documents. A birth certificate is only the minimum. Children living in South Africa could have several combinations of documents: 1. A South African citizen child born in South Africa will have at least two documents: - A birth certificate issued by South Africa’s government. - When they turn 16 years, an identity (ID) card proving their South African citizenship. 2. A South African citizen child born outside of South Africa will have 3 documents: - A birth certificate issued by the country where the child is born. - An additional birth certificate issued by the South African government indicating that the child’s details have been included in the National Population Register, and allocating them an ID number. - When the child turns 16 years, an ID card. 3. A non-South African child born in South Africa: - A birth certificate is issued to the child by South Africa’s government, recording their birth in South Africa. - The country where the child has citizenship will use the information on the birth certificate to record the child as a citizen of that country. - A passport may also be issued to a child, in which a visa or a permit will be recorder authorising their stay in South Africa. The country where the child has citizenship is responsible for issuing the document which proves citizenship. 6 HOW TO GET DOCUMENTED HOW TO GET DOCUMENTED 7