Andre Geim's unexpected citizenship revocation raises questions about nationality laws.
Nobel Laureate Andre Geim Loses Dutch Citizenship Amid Controversy
Nobel Laureate Andre Geim Loses Dutch Citizenship Amid Controversy
Renowned physicist's dual citizenship status leads to potential legal troubles.
In a surprising turn of events, renowned physicist Andre Geim, famous for winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010, has lost his Dutch citizenship due to his previous acceptance of British nationality. Although he now holds a prestigious title, his identity as a Dutch citizen has been revoked after the Netherlands maintained its rigid stance against dual citizenship.
Geim, who expressed his frustration over the situation, conveyed in an email that he views himself as a “Dutch-British” Nobel Prize winner, emphasizing his strong ties to the Netherlands, where he built a significant part of his career. He became a Dutch citizen in the 1990s while working at Radboud University in Nijmegen, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in physics.
His dual citizenship problem arose after he accepted a British knighthood thirteen years ago, a decision he never thought would lead to complications. The Netherlands government has mandated that Geim must surrender his Dutch passport at the embassy in London or risk facing repercussions from Interpol due to their strict laws on citizenship.
Reflecting on the decision, Geim described it as “sad and odd,” expressing his disappointment at the abrupt separation from his Dutch nationality. The situation raises broader questions regarding the implications of dual citizenship laws and their applications, particularly for individuals who contribute significantly to both nations, as in Geim's case.
Geim, who expressed his frustration over the situation, conveyed in an email that he views himself as a “Dutch-British” Nobel Prize winner, emphasizing his strong ties to the Netherlands, where he built a significant part of his career. He became a Dutch citizen in the 1990s while working at Radboud University in Nijmegen, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in physics.
His dual citizenship problem arose after he accepted a British knighthood thirteen years ago, a decision he never thought would lead to complications. The Netherlands government has mandated that Geim must surrender his Dutch passport at the embassy in London or risk facing repercussions from Interpol due to their strict laws on citizenship.
Reflecting on the decision, Geim described it as “sad and odd,” expressing his disappointment at the abrupt separation from his Dutch nationality. The situation raises broader questions regarding the implications of dual citizenship laws and their applications, particularly for individuals who contribute significantly to both nations, as in Geim's case.
