The Parliament Approves the Introduction of Multiple Citizenship in Ukraine: Opening a New Chapter in National Migration Policy
On May 18, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine unanimously approved in its entirety Bill No. 11469, which provides for the introduction of the institution of multiple citizenship in Ukraine. This significant decision marks a further step in reforming the legal framework regarding citizenship, potentially having a substantial impact on the ongoing integration of Ukrainians abroad and improving the legal status of those forced to leave the country due to war. According to Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zhelezniak, the author and active supporter of this initiative, the decision was supported by 243 parliamentarians, which is a convincing indication of broad public and political support for this educational reform. In his message on Telegram, he emphasized that all proposed amendments to the bill were considered in accordance with the version approved by the Committee on Legal Policy. The background of this legislative initiative has been quite lengthy. As far back as December 17 of last year, the Verkhovna Rada adopted, in principle, a bill aimed at amending several Ukrainian laws to more effectively realize citizens' right to acquire and maintain Ukrainian citizenship. Subsequently, in August, President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed his own bill to parliament, which aims to legalize and expand the practice of multiple citizenship. According to the explanatory note, the adoption of this law will enable the creation of more flexible and transparent mechanisms for citizens’ return—particularly those who were forced to leave the country due to war—and will help them retain Ukrainian citizenship. Additionally, the authors of the bill envisage that the new version of the law will open up broader opportunities for foreigners and stateless persons who wish to acquire Ukrainian citizenship or already hold it, by applying a simplified procedure. Under the procedure, multiple citizenship is permitted in cases aligned with international human rights standards. These include: the birth of a child with simultaneous acquisition of Ukrainian and another country's citizenship; the acquisition of foreign citizenship by one of the parents or guardians; automatic acquisition of a second citizenship upon marriage with a foreign national; and cases where a Ukrainian citizen has reached adulthood and obtained another country's citizenship due to the application of foreign legislation without proper confirmation. At the same time, the bill establishes several restrictions: multiple citizenship will not be permitted for individuals holding citizenship of Russia (considering its recognition as an aggressor state or occupying country) as well as for citizens of other states that do not recognize Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The adoption of this decision is expected to be a significant milestone in the development of Ukraine’s legal system regarding citizenship and international relations. It opens new opportunities for Ukrainians who, due to war, have been forced to seek refuge abroad, helps preserve their connection to the homeland, and promotes strengthening international partnerships in the field of citizenship and migration. Bill No. 11469 will enter into force and become a vital tool for the state to implement a more flexible and modern approach to citizenship policy. The introduction of multiple citizenship opens new horizons for Ukrainians seeking to maintain their Ukrainian origin while acquiring citizenship of other countries, and represents another step toward a more open and contemporary Ukraine on its path toward the European Union and global integration.