New twist to Gupta citizenship saga
Home Affairs Director-General Mkhuseli Apleni has clarified that Atul Gupta is a South African citizen, as well as his brother, Rajesh. The third Gupta brother, Ajay, however, is not a South Africa citizen.
The confusion regarding Atul Gupta’s citizenship was caused by Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, in Parliament on Tuesday when he denied that Atul was a South African citizen.
Apleni clarified mistaken statements made by the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, in Parliament that Atul Gupta was not a South African citizen.
Apleni says Atul Gupta was naturalised in 2002 and Rajesh Gupta in 2006.
Apleni says Ajay Gupta brought an application for naturalisation for himself and his family in 2013.
“Of the five, four members of the family, excluding Ajay Gupta, were naturalised after they fulfilled the requirements to renounce their Indian citizenship, given that India does not allow dual citizenship. The reason that Ajay Gupta was not naturalised is that he did not renounce his Indian citizenship. Therefore, he remains a non citizen of South Africa. He only holds a permanent resident permit.”