| Grenadian Citizenship Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Grenada | |
| |
| Enacted by | Government of Grenada |
| Status: Current legislation | |
Grenadian nationality law is regulated by the 1973 Grenadian Constitution, as amended; the Citizenship Act of 1976, and its revisions; and various British Nationality laws.[1][2] These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Grenada. Grenadian nationality is typically obtained either on the principle of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Grenada; or under the rules of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth abroad to parents with Grenadian nationality. It can also be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalisation.[3] There is also, currently a program in Grenada for persons to acquire nationality through investment in the country.[4] Nationality establishes one's international identity as a member of a sovereign nation.[5] Though it is not synonymous with citizenship, for rights granted under domestic law for domestic purposes, the United Kingdom, and thus the Commonwealth, have traditionally used the words interchangeably.[6]
Grenada was previously an associated state of the United Kingdom and local residents were British subjects. Over time, the colony was granted more autonomy and gradually became independent from the United Kingdom. Although Grenadian citizens are no longer British, they continue to hold favoured status when residing in the UK; as Commonwealth citizens, Grenadians are eligible to vote in UK elections and serve in public office there.
- ^ Fransman 2011, p. 955.
- ^ Belton 2020, p. 1.
- ^ Belton 2020, pp. 2–3, 5.
- ^ Belton 2020, pp. 20–21.
- ^ Fransman 2011, p. 3.
- ^ Fransman 2011, p. 4.