​KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – National Treatment Standard


The national treatment standard is a principle in international law concerning the treatment of foreign nationals and their property.


Under this doctrine, a state is only required to treat foreigners in the same manner as it treats its own citizens.


The principle developed partly as a response by less developed states against pressure from more powerful countries.


Supporters argue that it protects state sovereignty and equality between nationals and foreigners.


Critics, however, point out that it may expose foreign nationals to poor standards where a state treats its own citizens unfairly.