On August 7, for the second time in 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada that proposes to introduce legal grounds for deprivation of Ukrainian citizenship. Find out what exactly they plan to deprive of citizenship for

Legal advice on migration law

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Ukraine is once again proposing to deprive people of citizenship, including for high treason, terrorism, and obtaining a passport of the occupying power. The document has been submitted to the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada for consideration, and we will review it as well.

Why can one be deprived of Ukrainian citizenship?

This draft law sets out the reasons why a Ukrainian citizen may be deprived of his or her passport:

1. Voluntary receipt by a citizen of Ukraine of a passport of a citizen of the occupying state;

2. Voluntary receipt by a citizen of Ukraine of a passport of a citizen of a state included in the list of states whose citizens acquire Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure, if at the time of such acquisition the citizen has reached the age of majority;

3. The use of a foreign passport by a citizen of Ukraine who has dual citizenship/citizenship of a foreign state on the territory of Ukraine in cases where it threatens the national security or national interests of Ukraine;

4. Acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship as a result of providing false information about oneself, which may include forged documents, as well as concealment of information that would prevent a person from legally obtaining Ukrainian citizenship;

5. Failure to fulfill the obligation to pass exams on the fundamentals of the Constitution of Ukraine, as well as the history of Ukraine and exams on the level of proficiency in the state language;

6. Violation of the obligation to terminate the foreign citizenship of a citizen who has it;

7. In case of establishing the fact of a person's military service under a contract in the aggressor or occupying state;

8. The entry into force of a court verdict of guilty against persons convicted in Ukraine of committing a terrorist act, committing a crime against the foundations of national security of Ukraine and national interests of Ukraine, committing a crime against peace, security of humanity and international law and order;

9. If the fact of participation in the armed aggression against Ukraine as a member of the armed forces of the occupying power or a state that is in an armed conflict with Ukraine or facilitates the implementation of armed aggression against Ukraine is established.

Earlier we informed that this draft law also includes the issue of obtaining multiple citizenship in Ukraine.

The presidential draft law proposes to consider the date of termination of Ukrainian citizenship as the date of issuance of a separate relevant decree of the President of Ukraine.

It is noted that the voluntary acquisition of citizenship of another state/aggressor state/occupying power means all cases when such a citizen has filed an application/application for acquisition of such citizenship/passport in accordance with the legislative procedure of this state.

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At the same time, voluntary acquisition of another citizenship is not considered:

- simultaneous acquisition by a child of Ukrainian citizenship and citizenship of another state by virtue of birth;

- Acquisition by a child who is a citizen of Ukraine by virtue of birth of the citizenship of his/her foreign adoptive parents;

- automatic acquisition of another citizenship by a citizen of Ukraine as a result of marriage with a foreigner;

- automatic acquisition by an adult citizen of Ukraine of the citizenship of another state as a result of the application of the legislation on citizenship of a foreign state, in cases where such a citizen has not received a document confirming the citizenship of another state.

You can find out whether the ban on dual citizenship will be lifted in Europe in this article.

Interestingly, the last time, in January 2024, the Verkhovna Rada did not consider a similar bill from Zelenskyy even in the first reading. We will find out whether it will consider it this time after the parliamentary recess, which ends on August 21.

In the meantime, we remind our readers that Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers work with all issues of entry and exit from Ukraine, provide comprehensive advice and quality support in the preparation and execution of documents at all stages, for all possible options for entering and leaving Ukraine.

Just to remind you. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is also considering draft law No. 9585, which will allow citizens of other countries fighting in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.  

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.