The State Migration Service (SMS) commented on the draft law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in the first reading "On ensuring the implementation of the right to preserve and acquire citizenship of Ukraine" (No. 1469). The draft law, initiated by the president, provides for a number of innovations, including the possibility for foreigners to retain their citizenship upon acquiring Ukrainian citizenship, as well as for citizens of Ukraine to retain Ukrainian citizenship upon acquiring citizenship of another state.
Multiple citizenship: how it will work
According to the new regulations, foreigners who acquire Ukrainian citizenship will have the right to keep their previous citizenship. Likewise, Ukrainians who acquire citizenship of a foreign state will not be forced to renounce their Ukrainian citizenship. However, for this, a special list of states with which multiple citizenship will be allowed will be approved. This list has yet to be determined by a separate draft law.
Changes for foreigners and testing for Ukrainian citizenship
Iryna Kovalevska, the first deputy head of the DMS, noted that since August of this year, amendments have already been made to the legislation, which specified the grounds for the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship by foreigners. In addition, the draft law provides for the introduction of a new list of documents to be submitted when applying for citizenship, as well as the continuation of the practice of testing Ukrainian language, history and the Constitution of Ukraine for applicants for citizenship.
One of the important aspects is the simplified procedure for foreigners who fought on the side of Ukraine in the conflict in the east of the country. A simplified procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship will apply to them, which makes it possible to obtain citizenship under an accelerated scheme.
The procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship does not change: it remains determined by the Presidential Decree. However, there is one important addition — document verification and exam preparation for candidates. It is expected that the terms of acquisition of citizenship will be from 6 months to one year.
Changes in the legislation for Ukrainians temporarily staying abroad are currently not foreseen. The draft law mainly concerns foreigners and does not make adjustments for Ukrainians who are already citizens of Ukraine but are forced to live abroad.
