Constitution of Zimbabwe (as amended by Constitution Amendment No. 19)
(2) Anyone born outside Zimbabwe is a Zimbabwean citizen by birth if, when
he or she was born, either of his or her parents was a Zimbabwean citizen and
was⎯
(a) ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe; or
(b) working outside Zimbabwe for the State or an international organisation.
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Citizenship by descent
(1) Anyone born outside Zimbabwe is a Zimbabwean citizen by descent if,
when he or she was born⎯
(a) either of his or her parents or grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen by
birth or descent; or
(b) either of his or her parents was a Zimbabwean citizen by registration;
and the birth is registered in Zimbabwe in accordance with the law relating to the
registration of births.
(2) This section does not affect a person’s right to citizenship by birth under
section 5.
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Citizenship by registration
(1) Anyone who has been voluntarily and ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe for
at least ten years, or for a shorter period fixed in an Act of Parliament, may apply
to become a Zimbabwean citizen by registration.
(2) If a Zimbabwean citizen legally adopts someone who is not a Zimbabwean
citizen, the adopted person becomes a Zimbabwean on the date of the adoption
order and must be regarded as a citizen by registration.
(3) A minor child of a person who has become a Zimbabwean citizen by
registration is entitled, on application, to become a Zimbabwean citizen by
registration.
(4) A person who is married to a Zimbabwean citizen and who has been
ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe for at least five years since the marriage is
entitled, on application, to become a Zimbabwean citizen by registration.
(5) An Act of Parliament may provide for⎯
(a) the acquisition of citizenship by registration by persons other than those
mentioned in subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4); and
(b) the procedure for acquiring citizenship by registration.
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Citizenship and Immigration Board
An Act of Parliament must provide for the establishment of a Citizenship and
Immigration Board consisting of a chairperson and at least two other members,
appointed by the President, to be responsible for⎯
(a) granting and revoking citizenship by registration;
(b) permitting persons, other than citizens, to reside and work in Zimbabwe,
and fixing the terms and conditions under which they may so reside and
work;
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