Kommersant reports that the procedure of Russian citizenship granting for foreigners will be streamlined. It will be possible to acquire Russian citizenship without giving up existing one. The relevant amendments to the Law on Citizenship of the Russian Federation are being prepared by the Government. Work is in its final stage. The bill may be submitted to the State Duma this month.
Due to the improvements, it is planned to attract to Russia as many new citizens as possible - from 5 million to 10 million.
The press service of the Government that Kommersant requested confirmed the information about changes being prepared.
The Government noted that work on the bill was being completed, and after agreement with the Presidential Administration, it would be sent to the State Duma. They are already waiting for it there.
“We want to bring the matter to a close in the spring session, so that all those wishing can become Russian citizens. And therefore, what will Russia do? It will protect its citizens,” Peter Tolstoy, Deputy Speaker of the Lower House said.
“All compatriots are expecting it. It will definitely be submitted to the State Duma in February. Everyone agrees: the FSB as well as the Presidential Administration. The issue was discussed at the Security Council,” Deputy Leonid Kalashnikov confirmed to the publishing house.
Deputy Konstantin Zatulin explained that the law was especially important for residents of Pridnestrovie who were not able to get Russian passport, since they had previously acquired Moldovan citizenship granted to Pridnestrovians on an expedited basis.
“Millions of Russians live abroad and would like to become citizens of the Russian Federation,” Zatulin said.
Simplification of Russian citizenship acquiring for Pridnestrovians without giving up another citizenship was initiated by the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky.
