On November 25, 2025, Suriname marked a dual milestone: 50 years of political independence and 50 years of Surinamese nationality. The Surinamese nationality, established concurrently with the republic itself, offers a unique historical perspective on the evolution of its nationality laws since 1975. Anastatia Kanapé-Pokie, Director of the Central Bureau for Civil Affairs, provided an in-depth analysis of this journey. The foundation of Surinamese nationality was laid by the Allocation Agreement (T.O.K.) between Suriname and the Netherlands, which determined nationality based on residency at the time of independence. Key provisions included the prohibition of dual nationality and specific criteria for acquiring Surinamese nationality. Since 1975, the Ministry of Home Affairs has overseen nationality matters under the Nationality and Citizenship Act (WNI), which has undergone several amendments to address issues of discrimination and adapt to modern realities. The 2014 revision was particularly significant, allowing for dual nationality in certain cases and ensuring gender equality in nationality acquisition. As of 2025, the Central Bureau for Civil Affairs reports 578,041 registered Surinamese citizens, 34,474 Surinamese nationals abroad, and 46,824 foreign residents from 101 countries. The evolution of Surinamese nationality reflects a shift from strict separation to a more inclusive system that acknowledges heritage, identity, and global realities.