Putin Eases the Process of Obtaining Russian Citizenship for Foreigners

Russian President Vladimir Putin has submitted a bill to the State Duma that simplifies the process for foreigners to obtain Russian citizenship.

According to the document, the simplified procedure for acquiring citizenship will apply to individuals in 20 categories. Beneficiaries of the new regulations could include former citizens of the USSR and their children, participants in voluntary resettlement programs, citizens with close relatives in Russia, as well as descendants of subjects of the Russian Empire and citizens of the Soviet Union.

Additionally, the president may grant Russian citizenship on an exceptional basis to veterans of the Great Patriotic War, individuals who have provided special services to Russia, and those whose profession or qualifications are of interest to Russia.

The bill also introduces the institution of revoking Russian citizenship and expands the list of crimes for which offenders will lose their citizenship.