Submitted: No political selection, but one fair and verifiable nationality arrangement

A nationality law is only fair when everyone who meets the same conditions has the same rights. Nationality is not a reward for sporting achievements, economic significance or social status. Descent does not change because of occupation, income or prominence.

The discussion surrounding Surinamese internationals once again shows why the September 2026 legislative amendment is insufficient. An exception scheme for certain groups does not offer a sustainable solution for the global Surinamese diaspora.

Suriname must finally choose: does the law determine who is Surinamese, or does being Surinamese remain dependent on political selection?

What must the law itself regulate?

De Nationale Assemblée (DNA) (Suriname’s parliament) must set out precisely who falls under the scheme, which lines of descent and generations qualify, which supporting documents are required and how former Surinamese citizens and their descendants are treated.

The starting point is jus sanguinis: demonstrable descent as an objective legal basis. Anyone who meets the conditions must acquire nationality by operation of law or have a legally enforceable claim to it, depending on the legal construction chosen.

A ministerial nomination or personal designation by the president has no place in establishing an already existing right to nationality. The law must also regulate decision periods, transitional provisions, written reasoning and effective opportunities for objection and appeal. Registration must not become a disguised naturalisation procedure.

Six steps, the same checks for everyone

A reliable implementation model includes:

1. Registration with clear information and, where required, written consent.
2. Official identity verification.
3. Legal verification of descent.
4. Checks for fraud and, insofar as legally permitted, relevant criminal records and risks to national security.
5. Timely legal determination, with written reasons.
6. Registration in a register, with effective legal protection.

These checks must be appropriate to the nature of the right. An existing nationality must not be affected by additional administrative conditions.

The same standard applies to an elite athlete, scientist, entrepreneur or someone without a special social position. An urgent case may be handled more quickly, but must never result in a stronger right. PSA status may be supportive, without becoming the exclusive gateway to nationality.

Protect existing nationalities before the scheme takes effect

A law intended to bring Surinamese people closer to their homeland must not result in them unintentionally losing their existing nationality and rights. The use of terms such as by operation of law or determination in Surinamese law does not guarantee that Dutch nationality will be retained. The Netherlands assesses the consequences under its own Kingdom Act on Dutch Nationality.

Therefore, prior independent legal review and, where necessary, bilateral consultation are essential. The consequences for persons with other foreign nationalities must also be examined. In doing so, explicitly distinguish between rectifying historical errors, determining an existing nationality and newly acquiring a nationality. A law that promises new rights but endangers existing rights defeats its purpose.

Who is responsible for what?

DNA determines the rights, conditions and safeguards and exercises oversight. The government establishes implementation rules only within those legal limits. A competent authority examines the documents, verifies descent and records the legal determination. Independent courts ensure legal protection.

A permanent and professionally functioning Diaspora Directoraat, with a clear legal mandate, must provide information, guidance, registration support and international coordination. Suriname has a global network of knowledge, entrepreneurship and international contacts. This requires structural diaspora policy, not ever-new exceptions for selected groups.

Nationality, voting rights and entitlements to social benefits must be regulated separately and carefully, in accordance with the Constitution. The interests of residents also deserve protection.

From principle to implementation: DNA must act now

The correct order is clear: first proper legislation, followed by legal review, implementation rules, a reliable register, trained staff, accessible global information and public oversight. Also examine the remaining legal consequences of the nationality-law separation around independence in 1975. Do not begin by selecting individuals and then seek legal justification.  Every new exception once again raises the question of why others are excluded. In this way, DNA continues to repair problems instead of resolving them structurally.

Fifty years after independence, Suriname deserves a nationality law that is fair, practicable and legally sound, including for future generations. My call to DNA: do not wait for the next victim or the next crisis. Immediately begin a comprehensive review.

THE LAW DETERMINES WHO IS SURINAMESE. THE GOVERNMENT APPLIES THE LAW. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

Dr. Ruben F. del Prado, MD, M.P.H.
Dek’ati International N.V.
Email: dekati@dekati.org
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