Dual Citizenship – Can the Chinese Government Find Out?

 

A friend’a grandmother after becoming a US citizen in the 60s, retained her Chinese ID (Shenfenzheng ID) and continued to visit relatives in China regularly using her US passport and kept her Shenfenzheng ID up to date. - https://www.reddit.com/r/Chinavisa/comments/1dmc7sq/dual_citizenship_how_can_chinese_government_find/

 

Given China's strict stance against dual citizenship, it came as a big surprise that the Chinese government hasn’t plugged this loophole with some simple database management tools and some collaboration between the departments issuing the ID and the departments issuing the passport and immigration counters around the country. 

 

China's Policy on Dual Citizenship

 

China does not recognize dual citizenship. According to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, Chinese citizens who acquire foreign nationality automatically lose their Chinese citizenship. This means that upon naturalization in another country, individuals are expected to relinquish their Chinese citizenship and associated documents, such as the Chinese National ID.

 

Potential Risks of Retaining Chinese ID Post-Naturalization

 

Retaining a Chinese National ID after acquiring foreign citizenship can lead to several complications:

 

1. Legal Implications: Using a Chinese ID as a foreign national is illegal. If discovered, individuals may face legal consequences for utilizing an invalid ID to access benefits or services reserved for Chinese citizens.
2. Asset Vulnerability: Assets such as property, bank accounts, and retirement funds in China could be at risk. If authorities determine that an individual is no longer a Chinese citizen but has been accessing these assets using a Chinese ID, they may freeze or confiscate these holdings.
3. Detection Advancements: With the advancement of technology and data integration, the likelihood of authorities detecting discrepancies in citizenship status has increased. This means that individuals who previously navigated the system without issue may now be more susceptible to discovery.

 

In conclusion, while retaining a Chinese National ID after acquiring foreign citizenship might offer short-term conveniences, the long-term risks associated with such actions, especially in light of China's non-recognition of dual citizenship, are significant. Individuals are advised to approach this matter with caution and seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities involved.

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