Adopting quantitative and qualitative criteria in granting citizenship

Abstract

Abstract: The idea centers on the transition from the traditional purpose of nationality, which was primarily aimed at forming the population in a quantitative or numerical sense, apart from the qualitative considerations mentioned above. Instead of nationality being based on a purely abstract human and spiritual foundation, as it accompanied the early stages of state formation, the purpose gradually shifted toward a qualitative one. This shift became more active with the expansion of nations and the diversification of their needs and interests, along with the challenges that exceeded the state’s capacities, which negatively affected its progress and prosperity. At that point, states witnessed a transition toward the need to invest nationality in attracting competent individuals, giving rise to the idea of developing their people qualitatively on the economic, scientific, social, and professional levels—not merely through numerical growth. Accordingly, states adopted a dual standard: the first being the traditional quantitative one, and the second being the newly introduced qualitative one. They did not abandon the former, but rather sought to strengthen and enhance it through.