Ukrainians may be eligible for multiple citizenship, but not all and only under certain conditions. Find out at what stage the draft law is and why the government is introducing such changes

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Ukraine is discussing the introduction of multiple citizenship, which should become an element of state policy aimed at preserving and developing the global Ukrainian community. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, has spoken in favor of this initiative, noting that dual passports are becoming a necessity for many Ukrainians, including those who were forced to leave Ukraine because of the war. However, such citizenship should be limited, prohibiting dual citizenship with aggressor states. Here are all the nuances of the draft law and why Ukraine needs multiple citizenship.

Multiple citizenship in Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba has stated that multiple citizenship in Ukraine should be an element of state policy aimed at preserving and developing the international Ukrainian community. 

Kuleba believes that a "dual" passport is a necessity for many Ukrainians. In his speech at the World Congress of Ukrainians, the Foreign Minister noted that this is primarily about those who were forced to emigrate to other countries because of the war. 

The decision will allow millions of Ukrainians abroad to keep or obtain Ukrainian passports.

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship is a citizenship in which a person is permanently recognized as a citizen of two or more countries under the laws of those countries. Currently, according to the Constitution of Ukraine (Article 4), there is only one national citizenship.

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Why does Ukraine need multiple citizenship?

Kuleba noted that it is very important for Ukrainians living abroad to maintain ties with their homeland. 

"It is about the future of Ukraine and Ukrainians. Therefore, multiple citizenship should be one of the elements of state policy aimed at preserving and developing the global Ukrainian community," he said. 

The Minister reminded that Ukraine has long had difficult discussions on this issue. However, the foreign minister believes that it is necessary to introduce multiple citizenship because "we should be guided not by the fear of the spread of other people's passports within Ukraine, but by the power of the Ukrainian passport in Ukraine and in the world."

The Foreign Minister also advocates opening up the possibility for millions of Ukrainians abroad to keep or obtain a Ukrainian passport. 

"With Ukraine's accession to the European Union, Ukrainian passports will have the same status as the passports of neighboring European countries." - Kuleba adds.

Ban on dual citizenship with the aggressor country

Ukraine is planning to allow dual citizenship with the EU rather than russia, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. 

"Of course, this policy should be implemented reasonably. Of course, dual citizenship with aggressor countries or unfriendly countries should be prohibited," he said. 

Ukraine is also planning to adopt a liberal policy on dual citizenship, but with restrictions for senior officials. 

"We are working on the relevant legislative changes together with our MPs. There is one exception - the aggressor state, with which there can be no talks about dual citizenship - we plan to allow it only with EU countries and friendly countries. Such a step will unite millions of Ukrainians from all over the world, and Ukraine will not hinder their integration into other societies."

But as Kuleba notes, there is a second factor.

"If you have more than one passport, do you have the right to become an MP? Can they become ministers? There will be different policies and different restrictions to prevent abuse. You have to be a citizen of one country, Ukraine, to hold such a position," he says.

Changes to the draft law on multiple citizenship

As a reminder, in 2020, the Verkhovna Rada postponed the discussion of the presidential draft law on citizenship. 

The draft law was postponed because parliamentary experts concluded that it was impossible to solve this problem only at the legislative level without amending the Constitution. 

In December 2021, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a draft law on multiple citizenship to parliament. However, to date, there has been no progress on this issue.

We remind you, that Visit Ukraine has a team of qualified lawyers on migration issues, including the rules for leaving Ukraine during martial law. Our migration law specialists can help with legal issues related to moving to any country in the world. You can order both a one-time consultation and full legal support by following the link.

If you are interested in moving to another country, you can learn more about the entry rules, necessary documents and current restrictions through a special form on the Visit Ukraine portal. Select your citizenship and country of arrival to get all the information you need in two clicks.

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