Bahrainis with dual nationality have to apply to the Interior Ministry to keep their second citizonship, a senior official has said.

Announcing the guidelines for applying for the permission to keep the dual nationality, Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al-Khalifa, assistant undersecretary for nationality, passports and residence affairs, said the initiatives by the Ministry of Interior are in line with the implementation of the relevant laws enabling the applicants to apply online on the GDNPR website.

Shaikh Ahmed said Bahrainis have until February 4 to disclose their second citizenship. Violators could face a maximum fine of up to $27,000 or their Bahraini citizenship could be revoked.

All applications will be sent to the Minister of Interior office who will decide the suitability of each applicant, Shaikh Ahmed was quoted as saying by BNA.

“At present the applications for dual nationalities can be had in Arabic only while in near future they will made available in the English language. Given the relevance of the dual nationality subject, English language applications will be helpful for the naturalised Bahrainis,” he said.

The naturalisation process and allowing dual nationality holders to become naturalised citizens are a very important step, he said.

“The final say in this entire process is with the Minister of Interior’s office,” Shaikh Ahmed added.