Uruguay government proposes law to grant nationality to legal citizens

The Uruguayan government, under the administration of Yamandú Orsi, has announced a legislative project to recognize the nationality of legal citizens born abroad. The initiative seeks to resolve a long-standing constitutional interpretation that distinguishes between natural citizens and legal citizens—those who have met residency requirements to integrate into the country but have not been formally recognized as nationals.

Jorge Díaz, the Undersecretary of the Presidency, stated that the proposal aims to end decades of inequality and practical difficulties, particularly regarding the issuance of passports and international travel documentation. The measure is being framed as a matter of human rights and justice for thousands of people. While the law will grant nationality, it will maintain existing constitutional restrictions, such as preventing legal citizens from running for the Presidency.

The project is expected to be signed by the Council of Ministers on Monday, October 12, before being submitted to Parliament. The proposal was developed following consultations with constitutional experts and utilizes the General Assembly's power to interpret the Constitution under Article 85. Despite the government's push, opposition deputy Juan Martín Rodríguez has already expressed early rejection of the initiative.