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Citizenship of Zambia Act, 2016

This Act may be cited as the Citizenship of Zambia Act, 2016. This section defines key terms used in the Act, including Board, citizen, dual citizenship, ordinarily resident, and full age. The Boa…

accountsadministrationadministrative procedureannual reportapplication processingapplication registrationapplication rejectionapplicationsappointment eligibilityauditauthorizationbirth registrationboard administrationboard compositionboard governanceboard meetingsboard membershipboard procedurechild welfarecitizenship lawcitizenship registrationcompensationcomplianceconflict of interestdelegation of authoritydelegation of powersdisclosure of interestdispute resolutiondocument executiondocument integritydocument returndocumentsemployee remunerationfalse statementsfeesfinancial reportingfinancial yeargovernment regulationidentity and registrationidentity and statusidentity documentsimmigrationindividual statusinterpretationlegal proceedingsmeeting procedureminutesnational registrationoathsoffences and penaltiesoffice tenureofficial sealsproofpublic administrationpublic financepublication and disclosure restrictionsrecord keepingrecords managementregister correctionregister maintenanceregistersregistrationstaffingstatutory citationtravel documentsvacancy
Jurisdiction
Zambia
Structure
47 provisions
Citation
Act 33 of 2016
Dates
As at 7 Jun 2016
More statute details
Dates
As at 7 Jun 2016

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01

Purpose and legislative effect

“This Act may be cited as the Citizenship of Zambia Act, 2016.”

This Act may be cited as the Citizenship of Zambia Act, 2016. This section defines key terms used in the Act, including Board, citizen, dual citizenship, ordinarily resident, and full age. The Board must have a Minister as Chairperson and four other part-time members appointed by the President. A person cannot be appointed as a member if they fail the listed citizenship, age, disability, conviction, bankruptcy, or detention conditions. The Board must consider citizenship applications and related matters, keep citizenship information updated, and may gather information, consult stakeholders, hold inquiries, and receive statements to carry out its functions. Board members serve three-year terms, may resign with one month’s written notice to the President, and may stay on briefly after expiry until a successor is appointed, up to four months.

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Short title

This Act may be cited as the Citizenship of Zambia Act, 2016.

Section 1

Oath of allegiance

The Board must cause a registered citizen to take an oath of allegiance or make an affirmation in the prescribed manner and form.

Section 24

Annual report

The Board must submit an annual report to the President within 90 days after the financial year ends, and the Minister must later lay that report before the National Assembly.

Section 36

Savings and transitional provisions

The current Chief Passport Officer continues in office as Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer when this Act starts, and earlier valid identity documents keep working as if issued under this Act.

Section 47

04

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Source record from zambialii.org · As at 7 Jun 2016

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Showing 47 of 47 provisions

Provision 31Offence 10Commencement 4Short title

Part

PART I

§ 1Short titleShort title

This Act may be cited as the Citizenship of Zambia Act, 2016.

1. This Act may be cited as the Citizenship of Zambia Act, Short title 2016.
Section 1Verify source
§ 2InterpretationCommencement

This section defines key terms used in the Act, including Board, citizen, dual citizenship, ordinarily resident, and full age.

2. (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— Interpretation “associate” has the meaning assigned to it in the Anti- Corruption Act, 2012; “Board” means the Citizenship Board of Zambia established under Article 41 of the Constitution; “Chairperson” means the person appointed as the Chairperson of the Board or a person appointed to act as Chairperson under section three; “Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer” means the person appointed as such under section ten; Act No. 3 of 2012 Cap. 1 “citizen” has the meaning assigned to it in the Constitution; Cap. 1 Deputy Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer” means the person appointed as such under section ten; 678 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Cap. 1 “dual citizen” means a citizen who has acquired the citizenship of another country; “dual citizenship” means the acquisition of the citizenship of one other country in addition to Zambian citizenship; “Emoluments Commission” means the Emoluments Commission established under Article 232 of the Constitution; “functions” includes powers and duties; “member” means a person appointed as a member of the Board under section three; “national identity document” means a document used to verify aspects of a person’s personal identity; “national registration card” has the meaning assigned to it in Cap. 126 the National Registration Act; Cap. 5 sections four and five of the Official Oaths Act; “oath of allegiance” means an oath taken in accordance with Act No. 18 of 2010 “ordinarily resident” means a person who has been a resident in Zambia and is a holder of a residence permit issued under the Immigration and Deportation Act, 2010; “relative” means— (a) a person’s son, daughter, brother, sister, nephew, niece, parent, uncle, aunt, grandparent or cousin; and (b) a person’s spouse of the spouse of any of the persons mentioned in paragraph (a); “Vice-Chairperson” means the person elected as Vice- Chairperson under section three. (2) For the purposes of this Act— (a) a person is of full age if that person has attained the age of eighteen years; and (b) a person shall be deemed to have attained full age— (i) on the commencement of the eighteenth anniversary of the person’s date of birth; or (ii) in the case of a person born on the 29th February in any year, on the 1st of March in the year which is eighteen years after the person’s date of birth. Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 679 PART II THE CITIZENSHIP BOARD OF ZAMBIA
Section 2Verify source

Part

PART II

§ 3Composition of BoardOffence

The Board must have a Minister as Chairperson and four other part-time members appointed by the President. A person cannot be appointed as a member if they fail the listed citizenship, age, disability, conviction, bankruptcy, or detention conditions.

3. (1) The Board shall consist of the following part-time members appointed by the President: (a) the Minister as Chairperson; and (b) four other members. (2) A person shall not be appointed as a member if that Composition of Board person— (a) is not a citizen; (b) has dual citizenship; (c) is below the age of twenty-one years; (d) has a mental or physical disability that would make that person incapable of performing the functions of a member; (e) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other written law and sentenced to a term of imprisonment for a period exceeding six months without the option of a fine; (f) is an undischarged bankrupt or is declared bankrupt under any written law; or (g) is detained under the authority of any written law or that person’s freedom of movement is restricted.
Section 3Verify source
§ 4Functions of BoardProvision

The Board must consider citizenship applications and related matters, keep citizenship information updated, and may gather information, consult stakeholders, hold inquiries, and receive statements to carry out its functions.

4. (1) Subject to the Constitution and this Act, the functions of the Board are to— Functions of Board Cap. 1 (a) consider and determine applications for registration as a citizen; (b) consider and determine applications for the declaration and renunciation of citizenship; (c) consider and determine matters relating to deprivation of citizenship acquired by registration; (d) receive, maintain and update information on citizenship; and (e) do all such other things as are necessary or incidental to the performance of its functions under this Act. (2) The Board may, in furtherance of its functions— (a) collect information that it considers relevant for the performance of its functions; 680 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Cap. 1 Tenure of office and vacancy Proceedings of Board (b) undertake consultations with stakeholders or hold inquiries for the purposes of performing its functions under this Act; and (c) receive written or oral statements from any person or organisation for purposes of its functions under the Constitution and this Act.
Section 4Verify source
§ 5Tenure of office and vacancyOffence

Board members serve three-year terms, may resign with one month’s written notice to the President, and may stay on briefly after expiry until a successor is appointed, up to four months.

5. (1) A member of the Board shall hold office for a term of three years and may be reappointed for a further term of three years. (2) The office of a member becomes vacant if the member— (a) dies; (b) resigns; (c) is absent, without reasonable excuse, from three consecutive meetings of the Board of which the member has had notice without the approval of the Board; (d) is adjudged bankrupt; (e) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other written law and sentenced to imprisonment for a period exceeding six months without the option of a fine; (f) is removed by the President; or (g) has a mental or physical disability that makes the member incapable of performing the duties of a member. (3) A member may resign by giving one month’s notice, in writing, to the President. (4) A member shall, on the expiration of the period for which the member is appointed, continue to hold office until a successor is appointed, but in no case shall the further period exceed four months. (5) Whenever the office of a member becomes vacant before the expiry of the term of office, the President may appoint another person to be a member in place of the member who vacates the office for the unexpired term of that office.
Section 5Verify source
§ 6Proceedings of BoardProvision

The Board may regulate its own procedure and must meet at least every three months. Meetings need a quorum of three members, including the Chairperson, decisions are by majority vote, and minutes must be kept.

6. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Board may regulate its own procedure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of its business at least once in every three months at such places and times as the Chairperson may determine. (3) Three members shall form a quorum at a meeting of the Board, one member of which shall be the Chairperson. Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 681 (4) A decision of the Board on any question shall be by a majority of the members present and voting at the meeting and in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to that person’s deliberative vote. (5) The Board may invite a person, whose presence is in its opinion desirable, to attend and to participate in the deliberations of the meeting of the Board, but that person shall have no vote. (6) The validity of any proceedings, acts or decisions of the Board shall not be affected by any vacancy in the membership of the Board or by any defect in the appointment of any member or by reason that any person not entitled to do so took part in the proceedings. (7) The Board shall cause minutes to be kept of the proceedings of its meetings.
Section 6Verify source
§ 7Delegation of functions of BoardProvision

The Board may delegate any of its functions to the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer, subject to conditions and guidelines issued by the Board.

7. The Board may, subject to any conditions imposed and guidelines issued by it, delegate any of the Board’s functions to the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer. Delegation of functions of Board
Section 7Verify source
§ 8Seal of BoardProvision

Rules for the Board’s seal: the Board decides the seal’s device, the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer keeps it, sealing must be authenticated, and some Board contracts may be executed without a seal.

8. (1) The seal of the Board shall be such device as may be determined by the Board and shall be kept by the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer. Seal of Board (2) The affixing of the seal shall be authenticated by the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson and the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer or any other person authorised in that behalf by a resolution of the Board. (3) A contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed by a person not being a body corporate, would not be required to be under seal may be entered into or executed without seal on behalf of the Board by the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer or any other person generally or specifically authorised by the Board in that behalf. (4) A document purporting to be under the seal of the Board or issued on behalf of the Board shall be received in evidence and shall be deemed to be so executed or issued, as the case may be, without further proof, unless the contrary is proved.
Section 8Verify source
§ 9EmolumentsProvision

A Board member must be paid emoluments set by the Emoluments Commission.

9. A member of the Board shall be paid such emoluments as Emoluments the Emoluments Commission may determine. 682 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer, Deputy Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer and other staff Disclosure of interest
Section 9Verify source
§ 10Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer, Deputy ChiefProvision

The Civil Service Commission must appoint the listed passports and citizenship officers, and the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer is responsible for administering the Act.

10. (1) The Civil Service Commission shall appoint, as public officers, the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer, the Deputy Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer, passports and citizenship officers and such other staff as shall be necessary for the proper administration of this Act. (2) The Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer shall be responsible for the administration of this Act. (3) The Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer may, in writing, delegate the exercise of any of the powers and functions conferred upon the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer by this Act to the Deputy Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer or a passports and citizenship officer on such terms and conditions as the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer may determine. (4) The Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer may, in writing, revoke or vary the delegation of power made by the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer under subsection (3).
Section 10Verify source
§ 11Disclosure of interestCommencement

A person with a conflict of interest at a Board meeting must disclose it promptly and must not take part in the related discussion or vote unless the Board directs otherwise.

11. (1) A person who is present at a meeting of the Board at which any matter is the subject of consideration and in which matter that person or that person’s relative or associate is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity shall, as soon as is practicable after the commencement of the meeting, declare such interest and shall not, unless the Board otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or discussion of, or vote on any question relating to that matter. (2) A disclosure of interest made under subsection (1) shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which it is made. (3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both. Prohibition of publication or disclosure of information to unauthorised persons
Section 11Verify source
§ 12Prohibition of publication or disclosure of information toOffence

A person must not disclose protected information from their duties under the Act unless the Board gives written consent.

12. (1) A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, given by or on behalf of the Board, publish or disclose to an unauthorised person, otherwise than in the course of duties of that person, the contents of a document, communication or information, which relates to or which has come to the knowledge of that person in the course of that person’s duties under this Act. Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 683 (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both. (3) A person who, having any information which to the knowledge of that person has been published or disclosed in contravention of subsection (1), unlawfully publishes or communicates the information to another person, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.
Section 12Verify source
§ 13Oath on appointmentProvision

A Board member must take an oath when appointed.

13. A member of the Board shall, on appointment, take an oath in accordance with the Official Oaths Act.
Section 13Verify source
§ 14ImmunityProvision

Board members and staff are protected from lawsuits or other proceedings for acts or omissions done in good faith while carrying out functions under this Act.

14. An action or other proceeding shall not lie or be instituted against a member of the Board or a member of staff for or in respect of an act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or performance of any of the functions conferred under this Act. PART III CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
Section 14Verify source

Part

PART III

§ 15Registration of births and national registrationProvision

A person who is a citizen by birth must be registered at birth and must obtain a National Registration Card once evidence of registerable age is available.

15. (1) A person who is a citizen by birth shall be registered at birth in accordance with the Births and Deaths Registration Act. (2) A person who is a citizen by birth shall obtain a National Registration Card upon evidence of registerable age in accordance with the National Registration Act.
Section 15Verify source
§ 16Citizenship by presumption for foundlingsOffence

A finder of an unidentified child under eight must take the child to the children’s department or, if none exists, the nearest government office. Officials must investigate the child’s origin, bring the matter to court if needed, and the court may presume the child is a citizen by birth.

16. (1) A person who finds a child who is or appears to be less than eight years of age, and whose nationality and parents are not known shall present the child to the Government department responsible for matters relating to children and where there is no such department, present the child to the nearest Government department or agency. (2) Where a child is received by a Government department or agency that is not responsible for matters relating to children, the department or agency shall immediately report and present the child to the Government department responsible for matters relating to children. Oath on appointment Cap. 5 Immunity Registration of births and national registration Cap. 126 Citizenship by presumption for foundlings 684 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia (3) The Government department or agency responsible for matters relating to children shall undertake the necessary investigations including, subject to the rights of the child under any written law, the use of media to determine the origin of the child. (4) If the Government department or agency responsible for matters relating to children fails to determine the origin and identity of the child, it shall present the child found to the Children’s Court and take out proceedings for the determination of the age, nationality, residence and the parentage of the child. (5) The Children’s Court shall, after determining the adequacy of the efforts undertaken by the Government department or agency responsible for matters relating to children, issue an order directing that the child be presumed to be a citizen by birth or any other order as the Court considers just. (6) Where the Children’s Court makes an order for a child be presumed to be a citizen by birth, it may direct the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer to register the child in the register of children presumed citizens by birth. (7) A person who brings into Zambia, conspires, assists or facilitates the abandoning of a child with the intention of conferring citizenship on the child commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one million penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to both. PART IV CITIZENSHIP BY REGISTRATION
Section 16Verify source

Part

PART IV

§ 17Citizenship by registrationProvision

A person who qualifies for citizen registration under Article 37 may apply to the Board under this Part.

17. A person who qualifies to be registered as a citizen by registration in accordance with Article 37 of the Constitution may apply to the Board under this Part.
Section 17Verify source
§ 18Citizenship by marriageOffence

A person married to a Zambian citizen for at least five years may apply to be registered as a citizen if listed conditions are met.

18. A person who has been married to a citizen of Zambia for a period of at least five years may apply, in the prescribed manner, to be registered as a citizen if— (a) the marriage was solemnised under a system of law recognised in Zambia, whether solemnised in Zambia or outside Zambia; (b) the applicant has not been declared a prohibited immigrant under the Immigration and Deportation Act, 2010, or any other written law; (c) the applicant has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment; and Citizenship by registration Cap. 1 Citizenship by marriage Act No. 18 of 2010 Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 685 (d) the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of acquiring a status or privilege in relation to immigration or citizenship.
Section 18Verify source
§ 19Citizenship of adopted childProvision

An adopted child who is not already a citizen is entitled to be registered as a citizen if the application is made in the prescribed way and the required proofs are produced.

19. A child who is not a citizen, but is adopted by a citizen, is entitled, on application in the prescribed manner by the adoptive parent or legal guardian, to be registered as a citizen upon— Citizenship of adopted child (a) the production of proof of the Zambian citizenship of the adoptive parent; (b) the production of a valid adoption certificate issued in a reciprocating State or other jurisdiction whose orders and decrees are recognised in Zambia; and (c) proof of lawful residence of the child in Zambia. PART V APPLICATION FOR CITIZENSHIP
Section 19Verify source

Part

PART V

§ 20Application for registration as citizenProvision

A person must apply to the Board for citizen registration in the prescribed form and pay the prescribed fee. The Board must then grant or reject the application within the prescribed period, and may request more information if needed.

20. (1) A person shall apply to the Board for registration as a citizen in the prescribed manner and form upon payment of the prescribed fee. Application for registration as citizen (2) The Board shall, within such period as may be prescribed, grant or reject the application. (3) The Board may, where additional information is required to process an application for registration as citizen, request the applicant to submit the information within such period as the Board may determine.
Section 20Verify source
§ 21Rejection of applicationOffence

The Board must reject a citizenship registration application if specified fraud, false information, document falsification, conviction, bankruptcy, or prohibited-immigrant grounds exist; it may also reject if approval would be against the public interest.

21. (1) The Board shall reject an application for registration as a citizen if the applicant— Rejection of application (a) submits false information or makes a false statement in respect of the application; (b) conceals a material fact relevant for purposes of registration as a citizen; (c) commits an act of fraud for purposes of acquisition of citizenship; (d) alters or falsifies any document required for registration of citizenship; (e) has been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for that offence; (f) is an adjudged bankrupt; or 686 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Act No. 18 of 2010 (g) has been declared a prohibited immigrant under the Immigration and Deportation Act, 2010, or any other written law. Computation of period of residence for purposes of registration Cap. 1 Registration as citizen Cap. 1 Oath of allegiance Dual Citizenship Cap. 1 Cap. 1 Restoration of ceased citizenship Cap. 1 (2) The Board may reject an application if the approval of the application would be contrary to public interest. (3) The Board shall, where it rejects an application for registration as a citizen, inform the applicant accordingly.
Section 21Verify source
§ 22Computation of period of residence for purposes of registrationProvision

For citizenship-by-registration calculations, count only the time a person is ordinarily resident in Zambia.

22. The period to be taken into account in computing a period for a person who qualifies for citizenship by registration in accordance with the Constitution and this Act is the period during which a person is ordinarily resident in Zambia.
Section 22Verify source
§ 23Registration as citizensProvision

The Board must register an approved applicant as a citizen within 21 days, if the applicant meets the Constitution and this Act.

23. The Board shall, within twenty-one days of the approval of an application for registration as a citizen, made under section twenty, register the applicant as a citizen if the applicant meets the requirements of the Constitution and this Act.
Section 23Verify source
§ 24Oath of allegianceProvision

The Board must cause a registered citizen to take an oath of allegiance or make an affirmation in the prescribed manner and form.

24. The Board shall cause a person who is registered as a citizen to take an oath of allegiance or make an affirmation in the prescribed manner and form. PART VI DUAL CITIZENSHIP
Section 24Verify source

Part

PART VI

§ 25Dual citizenshipProvision

A citizen may apply for dual citizenship, and a dual citizen may keep Zambian citizenship and receive a passport and other travel documents, subject to constitutional limits.

25. (1) A citizen may apply for dual citizenship in the prescribed manner and form. (2) Subject to Article 39 of the Constitution and this Act, a citizen who acquires the citizenship of another country is entitled to retain the citizenship of Zambia. (3) A dual citizen shall, subject to the limitations contained in the Constitution, be entitled to a passport and other travel documents and to such other rights that citizens are entitled to.
Section 25Verify source
§ 26Restoration of ceased citizenshipCommencement

Some former citizens may apply to the Board to have Zambian citizenship restored, using the prescribed form.

26. A person who ceased to be a citizen before the commencement of the Constitution, as a result of acquiring the citizenship of another country, may make an application to the Board for the restoration of the citizenship of Zambia, in the prescribed form. PART VII DEPRIVATION AND RENUNCIATION OF CITIZENSHIP Loss of citizenship
Section 26Verify source

Part

PART VII

§ 27Loss of citizenshipProvision

A person loses citizenship by registration if they are deprived of citizenship under section 29.

27. A person loses citizenship by registration if that person is deprived of the citizenship under section twenty-nine. Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 687
Section 27Verify source
§ 28Notice of intention to deprive person of citizenshipProvision

If citizenship was obtained by fraud, false representation, or concealment of a material fact, the Board must give notice at least 21 days before an order to deprive citizenship is made.

28. (1) The Board shall, where a person obtained the citizenship by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact, at least twenty-one days before an order is made, issue to that person, a notice of intention to deprive the person of the citizenship. Notice of intention to deprive person of citizenship (2) A notice issued under subsection (1) shall be in the prescribed form and shall specify the grounds for the proposed deprivation of citizenship. (3) A person who has been issued with a notice in accordance with subsection (2) shall, within fourteen days of receipt of the notice, make representation, in writing, to the Board stating why the person should not be deprived of citizenship. (4) A notice issued under subsection (1) shall include the right of the person to whom it has been issued to have the case referred for inquiry to a commissioner appointed under section thirty-one. (5) A person notified under subsection (1) may apply for an inquiry within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed.
Section 28Verify source
§ 29Deprivation of citizenshipProvision

The Board may deprive a notified person of citizenship after considering that person’s presentations, must record the deprivation in the register, and must notify the person within 14 days.

29. (1) The Board may, after considering the presentations made by a person notified under section twenty-eight, deprive that person of citizenship and shall cause the deprivation to be entered into the register for deprivation of citizenship. Deprivation of citizenship (2) The Board shall, within fourteen days of deprivation of a person’s citizenship, notify the person of the decision.
Section 29Verify source
§ 30AppealProvision

A person aggrieved by a Board decision may appeal to the High Court within 30 days of receiving the decision.

30. A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Board may, within thirty days of receiving the decision, appeal to the High Court. Appeal
Section 30Verify source
§ 31Appointment of commissionerProvision

The Board must appoint a commissioner when a person exercises the right to have a case referred to one.

31. (1) The Board shall, where a person exercises the right to have the case referred to a commissioner in accordance with section twenty-eight, appoint a commissioner who shall make an inquiry in accordance with the terms of the inquiry and report the result of the inquiry to the Board. Appointment of commissioner (2) The powers, rights and privileges of a commissioner appointed in terms of subsection (1) shall be the same as those conferred on a commissioner by the Inquiries Act, and the provisions of that Act shall, with necessary modifications, apply to an inquiry under this section. Cap. 41 (3) A person qualifies for appointment as commissioner if that person qualifies to be appointed as a Judge of the High Court. 688 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Renunciation of citizenship
Section 31Verify source
§ 32Renunciation of citizenshipProvision

A citizen by birth may renounce citizenship. A citizen can file the required declaration, and the Board must register it and issue a certificate unless the war or foreign-citizenship conditions apply.

32. (1) A citizen by birth may renounce their citizenship in accordance with this section. (2) A citizen may, where the citizen— (a) does not wish to hold dual citizenship; or (b) wishes to assume sole citizenship of another country; make a declaration, in the prescribed manner, to renounce the citizenship of Zambia or the citizenship of another country, as the case may be. (3) The Board shall, subject to subsection (4), register a declaration of renunciation of citizenship and issue a certificate in the prescribed form. (4) The Board may decline to register a declaration of renunciation of citizenship of Zambia where— (a) the declaration is made during war in which Zambia may be engaged; or (b) the person making the declaration fails to satisfy the Board that, after renouncing the citizenship of Zambia, that person will become a citizen of another country. (5) Subject to subsection (6), a person making a declaration of renunciation of citizenship of Zambia shall cease to be a citizen upon registration of the declaration. (6) Where a person renounces the citizenship of Zambia but does not thereafter become a citizen of another country within six months from the date of registration of the declaration of renunciation, that person shall be deemed to have retained the citizenship of Zambia. PART VIII FINANCIAL PROVISIONS Funds of Board (1) The funds of the Board shall consist of such monies
Section 32Verify source

Part

PART VIII

§ 33Funds of BoardProvision

The Board’s funds may come from parliamentary appropriation or other accruals, and those funds must be used to pay members’ and staff emoluments, members’ travel and other allowances, and other expenses incurred in performing the Board’s functions.

33. as may— (a) be appropriated to the Board by Parliament; or (b) otherwise vest in or accrue to the Board. (2) There shall be paid from the funds of the Board— (a) the emoluments of the members and staff of the Board; (b) such travelling and other allowances for the members when engaged on the business of the Board, at such rates as the Emoluments Commission may determine; and Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 689 (c) any other expenses incurred by the Board in the performance of its functions under this Act.
Section 33Verify source
§ 34Financial yearProvision

The Board’s financial year is 12 months long and ends on 31 December each year.

34. The financial year of the Board shall be a period of twelve months ending on 31st December in each year.
Section 34Verify source
§ 35Accounts and auditProvision

The Board must keep proper accounting books and records, have its accounts audited annually, and pay the Auditor-General’s fees.

35. (1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of accounts and other records relating to its accounts. Financial year Accounts and audit (2) The accounts of the Board shall be audited annually by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by the Auditor-General. (3) The Auditor-General’s fees shall be paid by the Board.
Section 35Verify source
§ 36Annual reportProvision

The Board must submit an annual report to the President within 90 days after the financial year ends, and the Minister must later lay that report before the National Assembly.

36. (1) As soon as practicable, but not later than ninety days after the end of the financial year, the Board shall submit to the President a report concerning its activities during the financial year. Annual report (2) The report referred to in subsection (1) shall include information on the financial affairs of the Board and there shall be appended to the report— (a) an audited statement of financial position; (b) an audited statement of comprehensive income; and (c) such other information as the President may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first sitting of the National Assembly next after the receipt of the report referred to in subsection (1), lay it before the National Assembly. PART IX GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 36Verify source

Part

PART IX

§ 37RegisterProvision

The Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer must keep and maintain the Register in the prescribed form.

37. The Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer shall keep Register and maintain, in the prescribed form— (a) a register of citizens by registration; (b) a register of foundlings; (c) a register of citizens by adoption; (d) a register of persons who have renounced or been deprived of citizenship; and (e) a register of persons who hold dual citizenship.
Section 37Verify source
§ 38Correction of errors in registerProvision

If the Board believes a register error exists, it must notify the person concerned, consider that person’s representations, and direct the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer to make the corrections needed.

38. Where the Board has reason to believe that an error appears in any register compiled and maintained under section thirty-seven, the Board shall, after giving notice to the person concerned and after considering any representations from the person, direct the Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer to effect such alterations in the register as may appear to the Board to be necessary to correct the error. Correction of errors in register 690 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Producing false or misleading documents
Section 38Verify source
§ 39Producing false or misleading documentsOffence

A person must not knowingly produce a false or misleading document in a citizenship application.

39. (1) A person shall not, in connection with an application for citizenship, knowingly produce a document which is false or misleading in a material particular. Failure or refusal to return national identity document Unlawful possession of national identity document General offences (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence, and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both.
Section 39Verify source
§ 40Failure or refusal to return national identity documentOffence

A person must not, without lawful excuse, refuse or fail to return a national identity document to the Board when the person ceases to be a citizen under the Act.

40. (1) A person shall not, without lawful excuse, refuse or fail to return a national identity document to the Board where a person ceases to be a citizen in accordance with this Act. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.
Section 40Verify source
§ 41Unlawful possession of national identity documentOffence

A person must not possess a national identity document in another person’s name.

41. (1) A person shall not possess a national identity document in another person’s name. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both.
Section 41Verify source
§ 42General offencesOffence

Section 42 makes it an offence for a person to make false statements, forge or misuse citizenship or national identity documents, obstruct the Board, or interfere with its decisions.

42. (1) A person shall not— (a) knowingly make or cause to be made, a representation or statement which the person knows to be false in a material particular for the purpose of obtaining citizenship registration under this Act; (b) forge, alter, deface, destroy or mutilate a citizenship application or cause another person to forge, alter, deface or mutilate a citizenship application; (c) permit another person to use, for an unlawful purpose, a national identity document which belongs to that person or which is under that person’s control; (d) have in that person’s possession a citizenship application which is forged, altered, defaced, mutilated or whose particulars are incorrect; (e) sell blank citizenship application forms; (f) unlawfully procure citizenship registration or assist a foreigner unlawfully acquire citizenship registration under this Act; Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 691 (g) knowingly mislead the Board by giving any false information or statement or making a false allegation; (h) obstruct, assault, insult, hinder, delay or impersonate a member of staff of the Board in the lawful exercise of the powers conferred on a member under this Act; (i) refuse or fail, without reasonable cause, to give the Board on request, a document or information required for purposes of this Act; or (j) unlawfully influence a decision of the Board or coerce the Board to make a decision in favour of any person. (2) A person shall not, having come into possession of a national identity document belonging to another person— (a) represent the national identity document belonging to a person other than the person to whom it belongs; or (b) fail to hand over that national identity document as soon as practicable to the person to whom it belongs, the Board or to a police officer. (3) A person shall not use another person’s national identity document in connection with that person’s identification. (4) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both. (5) The liability of a person in relation to an offence shall not be affected by the renunciation or deprivation of the citizenship of such person after the commission of the offence.
Section 42Verify source
§ 43Privileged reportProvision

Certain Board-related reports, statements, communications, and records are privileged and generally cannot be produced or compelled in legal proceedings.

43. A report, statement or other communication or record of a meeting, inquiry or proceeding of the Board relating to the exercise of its functions or a report, statement or other communication or record made by a member for the purposes of the Board in the course of duty, and any application form, report or other communication dispatched to the Board in connection with the performance of its functions, and in the possession of the Board, is privileged and shall not be produced or compelled in any legal proceeding unless the Chairperson so directs, in writing, or a court so orders. Privileged report 692 No. 33 of 2016] Citizenship of Zambia Evidence Cap. 1 Regulations
Section 43Verify source
§ 44EvidenceProvision

Certain documents and register entries are to be accepted as evidence, and certified true copies may be used to prove a document’s contents.

44. (1) A document purporting to be a notice, certificate, order or declaration, or an entry in a register, given, granted or made under Part IV of the Constitution or under this Act shall be received in evidence, and shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to have been given, granted or made by or on behalf of, the person by whom or on whose behalf it purports to have been given, granted or made. (2) Prima facie evidence of a document referred to in subsection (1) may be given by production of a document purporting to be a certified true copy of the original by such person and in such manner as may be prescribed. (3) An entry in a register made under section nine shall be received as evidence of the matters stated in the register.
Section 44Verify source
§ 45RegulationsProvision

The Minister may make regulations by statutory instrument, and the Board may prescribe different procedures for different classes of persons.

45. (1) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, prescribe anything which by this Act is required to be prescribed or is necessary for the carrying out of the provisions of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Minister may make regulations for— (a) the publication, by Gazette notice, of the names and addresses of— (i) persons to be registered as citizens; (ii) citizens who have ceased to be citizens by a formal act of renunciation of the citizenship of Zambia; or (iii) citizens who have ceased to be citizens following deprivation of the citizenship of Zambia by the Board; (b) prescribing anything which under this Act may be prescribed; Cap. 1 (c) the registration required under Part IV of the Constitution or under this Act; (d) the registration, administration and taking of the oath of allegiance under this Act; (e) the giving of notice required or authorised to be given to a person under this Act; (f) enabling the births and deaths of citizens born or dying in any country in which the Government has for the time being no diplomatic or consular representatives to be registered by persons serving in the diplomatic consular or other foreign service of any country which, by arrangement with the Government, has undertaken to represent the Government’s interests in that country, or by a person authorised in that behalf by the Board; Citizenship of Zambia [No. 33 of 2016 693 (g) defining the circumstances in which and the conditions subject to which copies of documents issued under this Act may be obtained; (h) the imposition and application of fees in respect of— (i) applications; (ii) acquisition and registration of citizenship; (iii) the making of a declaration or taking of the oath of allegiance; and (iv) supplying a certified copy of a notice, document, order, declaration, an entry or oath. (3) The Board may prescribe different procedures to be followed by different classes of persons.
Section 45Verify source
§ 46Repeal of Cap. 124Repeal

The Citizenship of Zambia Act, 1975 is repealed.

46. The Citizenship of Zambia Act, 1975 is repealed.
Section 46Verify source
§ 47Savings and transitional provisionsCommencement

The current Chief Passport Officer continues in office as Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer when this Act starts, and earlier valid identity documents keep working as if issued under this Act.

47. (1) The person serving as Chief Passport Officer shall, on the commencement of this Act, continue to hold office as Chief Passports and Citizenship Officer as if appointed under this Act. (2) A national identity document which was valid and issued by the Chief Passport Officer before the commencement of this Act shall have effect as if issued under this Act. Repeal of Cap. 124 Savings and transitional provisions (3) In this section, “Chief Passport Officer” means the person appointed Chief Passport Officer under the repealed Citizenship of Zambia Act. Cap. 124 694
Section 47Verify source

Legislative relationships

8 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

A–F

4 instruments

  • Board in the lawful exercise of the powers conferred on a member under this Act

    Section 42

  • Cap. 124 The Citizenship of Zambia Act, 1975

    Section 46

  • Constitution and this Act

    Sections 23, 25

  • Constitution or under this Act

    Sections 44, 45

N–S

1 instrument

  • Official Oaths Act

    Section 2

T–Z

3 instruments

  • Zambia Act

    Sections 21, 47

  • Zambia Act, 2016

    Section 1

  • Zambia Evidence Cap. 1 Regulations

    Section 43

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  • 7 Jun 2016 · currentEnglish

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