Q. I am recently married to a German national, and wish to become a citizen of that country. Germany does not recognise dual citizenship, and so I need to renounce my Jamaican citizenship. How do I go about doing this?

Jamaican nationals who have been guaranteed or granted citizenship of another country, on the condition that they renounce their present nationality, may submit a request for the registration of a declaration of renunciation of Jamaican citizenship. This is in accordance with the provision of Section 7, the Jamaican Nationality Act, which states that any adult Jamaican of sound mind, who is a citizen or is guaranteed citizenship of another country, may submit a request for the registration of a declaration of renunciation of Jamaican citizenship in the manner prescribed.

Procedure for Application

The prescribed form - the declaration of renunciation of Jamaican citizenship, may be obtained through the various Jamaican missions or the website of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) at www.pica.gov.jm. The declaration should be completed in triplicate and submitted along with the following documents:

Birth Certificate and Jamaican Passport;

Evidence of other nationality or proof that you will be granted citizenship of another country, if renunciation is granted;

Two passport photographs certified by a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, or a Consular Officer in the Jamaican Consulate;

A fee of the equivalent of J$30,000.

Completed requests may be submitted to the PICA, 25C Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10. If you reside overseas, then requests may be submitted through the nearest Jamaican High Commission, Embassy or Consulate, since prospective applicants normally reside in the country in which the present nationality is being sought or was granted. All supporting documents written in a foreign language should be accompanied by a certified translation.

You cease to be a Jamaican on the date the declaration is registered and will, therefore, no longer be able to hold a Jamaican Passport, and will be subjected to the immigration requirements pertaining to foreign nationals. You will be advised formally of the date of renunciation, as well as of the entry requirements to Jamaica as a foreign national, should you decide to visit.

The PICA Corner is a collaboration between The Gleaner and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). Send questions, comments and suggestions to editor@gleanerjm.com