A presidential decree expands cases of withdrawal of Algerian citizenship – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

Sadiq the President of the Republic Abdel Majeed Tebboune A new law precisely defines the cases and procedures for withdrawing Algerian nationality, whether acquired or original, with the inclusion of legal guarantees and a specialized committee to study the files.

The Official Gazette published Law No. 26-01 of February 17, 2026, amending and supplementing Order No. 70-86 relating to the Nationality Law,

Following Parliament’s approval, in a legislative step that resets the legal framework for deprivation of citizenship in line with the Constitution and relevant international agreements.

Expanding instances of abstraction

The most prominent amendments affected Article 22, whereby it became possible to withdraw citizenship from the person who acquired it if he was convicted by a judicial ruling of a felony or misdemeanor that affects the vital interests of the country, national unity, or state security.

Or in a felony punishable by five years in prison or more, whether committed inside or outside Algeria.

It is required that the acts were committed within ten years from the date of acquiring citizenship, and that the deprivation decision must not be issued after five years from the date of their commission.

The law also expanded the scope of stripping it to include, in specific cases, the original nationality as well, if there is strong evidence that serious acts were committed outside the country.

Among them are serious harm to the state’s interests and security, declaring loyalty to a foreign country with the intention of harming Algeria, cooperating with hostile parties,

Engaging in, financing, or promoting terrorist organizations, or working for foreign military or security forces against the interests of the country.

Escapes and serious crimes

The law also stipulates the possibility of withdrawing original citizenship if the acts were committed inside Algeria and the person concerned was fleeing outside the national territory.

Article 22 bis 1 affirmed that stripping one’s original nationality remains an exceptional measure, which can only be resorted to for specific reasons and in accordance with legal guarantees.

With the requirement that the person concerned possess another nationality, with the exception of serious crimes such as treason, espionage, carrying weapons against the state, and belonging to terrorist organizations.

Advance warning and a specialized committee

The text established the obligation to give advance warning to the person concerned and give him a period ranging between 15 and 60 days to comply.

With the possibility of reporting via electronic means or by publishing in two national newspapers when it is not possible to contact him.

It also stipulates that the concerned party be notified and enabled to submit his comments within 30 days before the decision is taken.

If notification is not possible, it will be published in two national newspapers, one of which is in a foreign language.

In the same context, it was decided to establish a special committee with the Minister of Justice to study and decide on the abstraction files, with its organization and working methods to be determined by a subsequent regulatory text.