According to an official at the High Commission for the Commonwealth of Dominica in Ottawa, non-Dominicans who apply for and are subsequently granted citizenship may have it revoked if the courts determine that the application was based on fraudulent information or if the applicant failed to disclose previous criminal activities (30 May 1994).

The official also stated that Dominicans who claim refugee status abroad are considered to have forfeited their right to citizenship (ibid.). The official added that although their citizenship is automatically revoked when a refugee claim is made, failed refugee claimants are free to reapply for citizenship as per articles 97, 98 and 99 of chapter seven of the country's constitution (ibid.).

The official added that Dominica recognizes dual citizenship (ibid.).

For additional information on citizenship issues in Dominica, please refer to the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

High Commission for the Commonwealth of Dominica, Ottawa. 30 May 1994. Telephone interview with official.

Caribbean Update. July 1993. "Dominica: Controversial Policy Creates Surge in Citizenship." (NEXIS)

. November 1992. "Dominica: The Dominica Government." (NEXIS) Flanz, Gisbert H. June 1979. "Dominica," Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications.

Inter Press Service. 7 May 1993. "Guyana: Government Planning Economic Citizenship Scheme." (NEXIS)

_____. 7 August 1992. "Dominica: Government Reviewing Economic Citizenship Policy." (NEXIS)

_____. 11 June 1992. "Dominica: Citizens Called to Protest Economic Citizenship Policy." (NEXIS)