Algeria - February 2026

On 17 February, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune enacted an amendment to the country’s nationality law which expands the grounds for revocation of Algerian nationality, including, in certain circumstances, for citizens who acquired Algerian nationality by birth. The amendment allows nationality to be revoked for acts deemed to be seriously harmful to national security, national unity, state stability or other broadly framed national interests. It also covers certain forms of allegiance to a foreign state and involvement with organizations classified as ‘terrorist’ or ‘subversive’. The government has described the amendment as a measure aimed at protecting national sovereignty. Human rights organizations, however, have raised concerns that the broadly defined grounds for deprivation could be used against political opponents, activists and dissidents, particularly those residing abroad. The amendment has also raised concerns about statelessness. While the law in principle limits deprivation of nationality for Algerians by birth to dual nationals, it provides exceptions for offences related to treason, terrorism and state security, without specifying safeguards or procedures for cases in which revocation could leave an individual stateless. The law is official and is published in the Official Gazette.

Sources: Official Gazette of Algeria, Algeria Press Service, SHOAA for Human Rights, Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces