The Solomon Islands parliament has passed the country’s first dual-citizenship legislation.

The government said it would have wide-ranging benefits for the country.

Earlier this year during a multi-country tour, the prime minister Rick Hou said he had met many Solomon Islanders living overseas who would benefit from the legislation.

The Constitution (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2018 effectively removes prohibition on dual citizenship.

It also sets out the guidelines for eligibility and restrictions on dual citizenship holders, including not being able to stand for parliament.

The bill is aimed at reintegrating people of Solomon Islands birth or ancestry who have lost their citizenship because of marriage, forced labour or naturalisation in another country, the government said.

It will also allow naturalised Solomon Islands citizens to regain or retain the nationality of their birth.

The new law will benefit people especially in the areas of employment and education, the government said.