Norway's Citizenship Proposal Risks Creating 'A-Team, B-Team' Citizens

The Norwegian government's proposal to revoke citizenship for serious gang-related crimes, for those holding dual nationality, is drawing criticism for potentially creating a tiered system of citizens. While the government aims to tighten immigration policy, this specific measure is seen by some as undermining the significance of Norwegian citizenship.

Under current law, citizenship can only be revoked for offenses like war crimes, treason, or espionage, which are considered direct breaches of the bond between a citizen and the state. The new proposal extends this possibility to gang-related crimes. However, the state cannot revoke citizenship if it would render an individual stateless, as this is protected under international law. Norway legalized dual citizenship in 2020, aligning with most other countries.

Critics argue that while the direct targets are individuals who have committed serious crimes, the broader implication is a change in the nature of citizenship for all dual nationals. The move away from state-specific offenses to more general criminal acts opens the door for a potentially expanding list of crimes that could lead to citizenship revocation. This, they contend, creates a "light" version of Norwegian citizenship for dual citizens, diminishing its value and altering its properties for a significant portion of the population.