For British-born grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Barbadians, a family link that has long been central to their identity could soon give them a route to citizenship. Barbados’s Senate passed the Citizenship Bill on Wednesday 4 November, following approval by the House of Assembly on 27 October.
Section 3(2) of the bill would let a person born outside Barbados apply to register as a citizen if a grandparent or great-grandparent was a citizen of Barbados. Applicants would need to use an approved form and pay a prescribed fee. A parent or guardian could apply on behalf of a minor.
What changes for families abroad
The bill gives applicants a route based on the citizenship of the grandparent or great-grandparent. A successful applicant would acquire citizenship through registration. The bill also gives the minister power to refuse registration on national security and public policy grounds.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley renewed the pledge during a visit to Toronto in September, as JAM Radio reported at the time. The Senate vote moves the proposal through Parliament and gives families in Britain, Canada and elsewhere a clearer view of who the legislation is intended to reach.
When can people apply?
Section 20 says the legislation comes into operation on a date fixed by proclamation. The parliamentary record confirms passage through both houses. JAM Radio has yet to verify a commencement date or application guidance for the new route.
Families tracing the link can start by identifying the birth records connecting each generation and any documents showing the ancestor’s Barbadian citizenship. The official guidance will determine which records are accepted, what the fee will be and where people overseas should apply.
