Belizean nationality law is regulated by 1981 Constitution of Belize, as amended; the Belizean Nationality Act, as revised; and various British Nationality laws.[1][2] These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Belize.[3] Belizean nationality is typically obtained either by descent or registration.[4] Descent relies on the principles of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Belize; or under the rules of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth abroad to parents with Belizean nationality; whereas registration applies to obtaining nationality after birth.[5][4] There is currently no program in Belize for citizenship by investment, as the previous program lapsed in 2002.[6] Nationality establishes one's international identity as a member of a sovereign nation.[7] Though it is not synonymous with citizenship, rights granted under domestic law for domestic purposes, the United Kingdom, and thus the Commonwealth of Nations, has traditionally used the words interchangeably.[8]
- ^ Fransman 2011, p. 837.
- ^ Belton 2020, p. 1.
- ^ Belton 2020, pp. 2–3.
- ^ a b Nationality Act 2000, pp. 3–4.
- ^ Belton 2020, pp. 2–3, 5.
- ^ Veteto 2014, p. 93.
- ^ Fransman 2011, p. 3.
- ^ Fransman 2011, p. 4.