Korean Job Discussion Forums

[benohare]

Officially Korea does not accept dual nationality but say someone (wife of a British person) became British then unless she actively gave up her Korean citizenship then she would just have dual nationality by default - or is this wrong?

As with everything you do in Korea the process of giving up citizenship requires that you present:
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o 2 copies of Losing Nationality Application form
o The original and 2 copies of the translation of the Certificate of Naturalization
o 2 copies of Korean Family Census Register
o A self-addressed return envelope including 2 stamps
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This does not sound like it would happen automatically after receiving British citizenship. Furthermore, this is also in line with the stories I've heard from Korean friends who have become nationals of other countries and because they have never renounced being Korean have become dual by default.

Thus far it is all anecdotal stories based on a few case studies. Does anyone know of the ins and outs in more details and I'm really interested in knowing how the Korean government could find out that someone has become British.

Thanks,

Ben

[PeteJB]

I am not sure about the Korean -> British process, but AFAIK you cannot really 'lose' British citizenship even if you become a Korean citizen. I've read that it's very easy to return to a British citizenship for those born there. Can anyone clarify that?

[Geckoman]

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

[Otherside]

OP,
Korea doesn't allow dual citizenship. If she became a British Citizen, your wife would lose her Korean citizenship. That's only if the Korean authorities find out of course.

The process about "actively" giving up citizenship, usually apply to one of the following categories.
1. People who acquired dual-citizenship at birth (i.e. Your current/future children), or people who acquired dual-citizenship before age 21 (22 Korean age).
2. This is of special importance regarding males, as they would have to give up their citizenship prior to their 21st Birthday, or they'd be eligible for military service.

Interestingly enough, say a Korean Male only gave up his citizenship at age 23, he'd still be required to serve in the army, and wouldn't be able to return to Korea before his 35th Birthday or without an official waiver, otherwise he'd be subject to military service.

NB. During the Apartheid years, South Africa had a similar policy of not allowing dual-citizenship. This was especially problematic as a huge number of the white population had very strong family links to Europe, (especially the English population with links to the UK), in this case, it was a situation of "don't ask, don't tell...but if we happen to find there'll be problems". I'm not sure how actively Korea "polices" this issue, but it's definitely not something I'd do unless it was absolutely necessary.