Section 37: Citizenship by descent
Constitution of Zimbabwe
Subject to section 36(2), persons born outside Zimbabwe are Zimbabwean citizens by descent if, when they were bornโ
(a) either of their parents or any of their grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen by birth
or descent; or
(b) either of their parents was a Zimbabwean citizen by registration; and the birth is registered in Zimbabwe in accordance with the law relating to the registration of births.
Insight: This section extends Zimbabwean citizenship to individuals born abroad with Zimbabwean heritage. It creates a multi-generational link to Zimbabwe, allowing the diaspora to maintain legal ties to their ancestral homeland. However, the requirement for birth registration in Zimbabwe may create practical challenges for those living far from the country.