The State Migration Service (SMS) commented on the draft law "On Ensuring the Implementation of the Right to Retain and Acquire Citizenship of Ukraine" (No. 1469), adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in the first reading. The draft law, initiated by the President, provides for a number of innovations, in particular, the opportunity for foreigners to retain their citizenship when acquiring Ukrainian citizenship, as well as for citizens of Ukraine to retain Ukrainian citizenship when acquiring citizenship of another state.
Multiple citizenship: how will it work?
According to the new norms, foreigners who acquire Ukrainian citizenship will have the right to retain their previous citizenship. Similarly, Ukrainians who acquire the citizenship of a foreign state will not be forced to renounce their Ukrainian one. However, for this purpose, a special list of states with which it will be allowed to retain multiple citizenship 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, First Deputy Head of the State Migration Service, noted that since August of this year, amendments have already been made to the legislation, which have clarified the grounds for foreigners to acquire Ukrainian citizenship. In addition, the draft law provides for the introduction of a new list of documents submitted when applying for citizenship, as well as the continuation of the practice of testing applicants for citizenship in the Ukrainian language, history, and the Constitution of Ukraine.
One of the important aspects is a simplified procedure for foreigners who fought on the side of Ukraine in the conflict in the east of the country. They will have a simplified procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship, which will allow them to obtain citizenship under an accelerated scheme.
The procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship remains unchanged: it remains determined by the Presidential Decree. However, there is one important addition - verification of documents and preparation of exams for candidates. It is expected that the terms for acquiring citizenship will range from 6 months to one year.
No changes in the legislation are currently envisaged for Ukrainians temporarily residing abroad. The draft law mainly concerns foreigners and does not make any adjustments for Ukrainians who are already citizens of Ukraine but are forced to live abroad.
