Event Summary
On 24 December 2025, Algeria’s National People’s Assembly (APN) adopted a proposed law amending the Nationality Code to expand the circumstances under which an Algerian citizen may be stripped of their nationality, whether by birth or by acquisition. The text introduces a new Article 22 bis, which provides, in particular, for the possibility of withdrawing nationality from any person accused of undermining the vital interests of the State, national unity or security, or who has carried out hostile acts from abroad without ceasing to do so after receiving an official warning. Among the grounds cited are activities “likely to seriously harm Algeria’s interests”, allegiance to another state, cooperation with hostile foreign forces or entities, and participation in or financial support for organisations classified as terrorist or subversive.
The government and the Minister of Justice, Lotfi Boudjemaa, assure that the measure is strictly regulated and only applies to exceptional cases already defined by the Constitution, with procedural safeguards, including the intervention of a specialised commission and the right to defence before any decision is made. However, legal experts and human rights organisations have expressed reservations about the broad and vague wording of the grounds, which could be interpreted extensively and potentially impact the right to nationality and fundamental freedoms.