Ask the expert – answered by BIC
I have now decided to relocate back to South Africa, and would like to know whether there is anything I need to do in order to protect my British citizenship?
Question:
I am a South African who has been living and working in the UK for the past 11 years. I have gone through the process of protecting my SA citizenship before I received my British citizenship, two years ago.
I have now decided to relocate back to South Africa, and would like to know whether there is anything I need to do in order to protect my British citizenship? Are there any requirements such as having to come back to the UK once in a year or anything?
Answer:
Fortunately, once you have obtained British citizenship you will be able to leave the UK for an indefinite period of time. Remaining outside of the UK will not lead to the loss of your British citizenship.
Please note that this is the current rules and subject to change, so it is always advisable to just check with your immigration consultant once a year.
Please do not hesitate to contact our offices should you require any further assistance.
JP Breytenbach
Director of BIC, Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited.
