Ukraine/Russia: Information on whether Ukraine and Russia accept dual citizenship and how they deal with ex-Soviet immigrants to Israel who have obtained Israeli citizenship
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 25 July 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZZZ17953.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ukraine/Russia: Information on whether Ukraine and Russia accept dual citizenship and how they deal with ex-Soviet immigrants to Israel who have obtained Israeli citizenship, 25 July 1994, ZZZ17953.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab4c4b.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Moscow stated that under provisions of the December 1993 constitution, Russian citizens can hold dual citizenship as long as legislation in the other country does not preclude such an option (23 May 1994). A representative at the Embassy of Israel in Ottawa indicated that Israel accepts dual citizenship (13 July 1994).
A representative of the Canadian embassy in Moscow indicates that according to officials in Moscow, renunciation of a previous citizenship is not necessary to obtain Russian Federation (RF) citizenship, although "the previous citizenship will not be 'recognized' unless the RF has a bilateral agreement with that country" (4 May 1994). The Canadian representative further states that
[a]s we understand it ... no bilateral accord is necessary to obtain RF [Russian Federation] citizenship or to permit someone holding another citizenship to obtain RF citizenship while continuing to hold their previous citizenship (ibid.).
According to a representative of the consulate section of the Embassy of Ukraine, Ukraine does not allow dual citizenship (25 July 1994). The representative indicated that an individual holding Israeli citizenship and who wishes to obtain Ukrainian citizenship must renounce his or her Israeli citizenship (ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Canadian Embassy, Immigration Service, Moscow. 4 May 1994. Fax sent to the DIRB by representative.
International Organization for Migration (IOM), Moscow. 23 May 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Embassy of the State of Israel, Ottawa. 13 July 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Embassy of Ukraine, Ottawa. 25 July 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Attachment
Canadian Embassy, Immigration Service, Moscow. 4 May 1994. Fax sent to the DIRB by representative.
