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My mother was born in South Africa in July 1943, however she was adopted by a British Couple (born in UK but living in then Southern Rhodesia). She has the certificate of registration as a Southern Rhodesian Citizen under the British Nationality act but we cannot find out whether she is a British Citizen or not? Or whether she could be if not?

Does anyone know please?

There are a lot of complex laws relating to Southern Rhodesia and British nationality. You'd need a good immigration lawyer to work through everything, however on the surface it would appear she is NOT a British citizen because from 1949 Southern Rhodesia was treated as a "country" for nationality purposes.

Also, usually adoption outside the UK required registration as a UK citizen before age 18. Is there any evidence to suggest that this occurred?

HOWEVER, there may be the prospect of a Right of Abode stamp as long she has remained a "Commonwealth citizen" all the time since 1 January 1983. (Zimbabwe still counts as Commonwealth, as does South Africa since 1994).

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

If all else fails, then the Ancestry Visa may still be an option as I think adoptive relationships are still counted for that. There would need to be a UK born grandparent. But I would look at Right of Abode by preference.

Any chance the UK born grandparents come from Ireland or Northern Ireland?

Thanks for replying - UK parents were born in England. If Rhodesia was treated as country from 1949 - what were the rukes before that, do you know? She was born in 1943? also adopted in 1943 at a few weeks old.

Thanks for taking time to reply