Following the adoption of the law in late July granting Beninese nationality to Afro-descendants, the Government published the implementing decree on Wednesday November 20, outlining the application process, which can be initiated from abroad or within Benin.
The law allows individuals with an African ancestor deported during the slave trade to apply for Beninese naturalization. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of Afro-descendant heritage, and have a parent born before 1944.
For applicants abroad, a provisional nationality certificate valid for three years is issued upon approval. To obtain a definitive certificate, they must visit Benin at least once. Applications made directly in Benin are processed faster, with a definitive decree issued upon completing the formalities.
Beninese nationality grants rights such as freedom of movement and a passport. However, the decree does not extend voting rights or eligibility for public sector jobs to new citizens.
The entire process will be conducted online through a platform set to launch in early December. Reports suggest President Patrice Talon’s initiative has already generated significant interest among Afro-descendants worldwide.