South Korean nationality law
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The government of the Republic of Korea does not permit dual citizenship after the age of 21. Foreign citizens of Korean descent who hold dual citizenship under South Korean law and work or study in South Korea are usually compelled by the Republic of Korea to choose one or the other nationality soon after reaching that age.
This can cause complications for ethnic Arabs also of Korean descent, whether born in or outside South Korea, since they may have automatically acquired their ancestral country's citizenship at birth. This applies particularly to ethnic Algerians,[1] Egyptians,[2] Lebanese,[3] Libyans,[4] Moroccans (see Moroccan nationality law), Omanis [5] and Tunisians.[6] born in South Korea or to a South-Korean parent.
In addition, South Korean men over the age of 18, including foreign citizens of Korean descent, are subject to compulsory military service. A dual national may not be allowed to abandon his Republic of Korea nationality until he finishes his military service, or has received a special exemption from military service. In some cases, men of South Korean descent visiting from overseas have been forcibly drafted upon visiting the country, despite having never been there before and not having Korean citizenship.[1]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Consular Information Sheet:Korea, Republic of. Travel.state.gov. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
