Ukraine Passes Law on Multiple Citizenship, Expanding Rights to Millions of Ukrainians Abroad

Strategic Insights -

The law on multiple citizenship, recently adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, will allow millions of Ukrainians living abroad to retain their Ukrainian citizenship while acquiring foreign citizenship. The new law aims to benefit around six million Ukrainians living outside the country, including those forced to flee due to the war. The legislation also grants rights to foreigners fighting for Ukraine, as well as members of the Ukrainian diaspora, allowing them to legally become citizens of Ukraine without renouncing their existing citizenship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new law on multiple citizenship allows foreign legion soldiers, ethnic Ukrainians, and members of the diaspora to obtain Ukrainian citizenship.
  • Around six million Ukrainians are living abroad, with around two million having already obtained residence permits in other countries.
  • The law allows individuals to retain their Ukrainian citizenship while acquiring foreign citizenship, as long as they meet the constitutional requirements of Ukraine.
  • The legislation also grants rights to foreigners fighting for Ukraine, including stateless persons and citizens of other countries.
  • Foreign legion soldiers, including those who are risking their lives for Ukraine, will be eligible to obtain Ukrainian citizenship, along with their relatives.
  • The Ukrainian diaspora will be able to identify themselves as Ukrainians by nationality and legally become citizens of Ukraine without having to renounce their existing citizenship.

Statistics:

  • Around six million Ukrainians are living abroad, with the majority being from the Donbass region and Crimea.
  • Two million Ukrainians have already obtained residence permits in other countries, with many having received foreign passports.
  • At least 60 million people worldwide identify as Ukrainians, with the country's diaspora being a significant part of the Ukrainian identity.

Sources:

  • Ukrinform
  • Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights (no specific date)