Ukraine’s draft law on multiple citizenship will help impede the assimilation of Ukrainians living abroad by preserving their connection to Ukraine, said Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, in an interview with Suspilne.
“We don’t want Ukrainians who have left the country to be forced to choose between renouncing their Ukrainian citizenship to acquire the citizenship of their new country, or holding dual citizenship. We want them to maintain this vital link with Ukraine, retain their citizenship, and feel part of the Ukrainian state,” Grod said.
Grod also highlighted key changes needed in the current version of the draft law, which passed in the first of two required readings.
To better align with the interests of Ukraine and all its citizens, provision should include preventing the division of citizens into “classes” and ensuring equal treatment for everyone, creating a limited list of countries whose citizens will not be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship, and outlining clear requirements for obtaining citizenship.
“The demographic crisis, caused by millions of Ukrainians leaving the country, especially since 2014, makes the issue of dual citizenship even more urgent. This initiative could encourage Ukrainians to return home,” Grod said.
When Russia initially invaded Ukraine in 2014, Ukrainians abroad strongly advocated for the introduction of dual citizenship, as noted by Bohdan Rajčinec, the President of the European Congress of Ukrainians (ECU), according to the Ukrainian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty..
“This legislation represents a significant step forward in recognizing the diverse and global nature of the Ukrainian community and Ukraine’s EU integration,” the UWC said in a statement released on Dec. 17, following the first reading of the draft law on dual citizenship.
Andriy Shevchenko, Head of the UWC Mission to Ukraine, emphasized that the main goal of the draft law is to strengthen the bond between Ukrainian citizens and Ukraine, as reported by Suspilne.
“Historically, the issue of dual citizenship was raised by the diaspora. Now, the situation has changed. Dual citizenship is essential to maintain the connection of millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad by the war with their homeland,” Shevchenko said.