Russia: Whether stateless ethnic Russians from the Soviet republics automatically obtain Russian citizenship
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 May 1999 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | RUS31996.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Russia: Whether stateless ethnic Russians from the Soviet republics automatically obtain Russian citizenship, 1 May 1999, RUS31996.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abc14.html [accessed 21 May 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 United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) Branch office in Ottawa provided the following information during a 12 May 1999 telephone interview.
In theory, the Russian citizenship law allows ethnic Russians from the former Soviet Union to acquire Russian citizenship. In practical terms, however, there have been several cases known to the UNHCR where individuals, including stateless ethnic Russians, have not been able to receive Russian citizenship, and these were of concern to the organization.
Additional and/or corroborating information on whether stateless ethnic Russians from the Soviet republics would automatically obtain Russian citizenship could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Reference
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ottawa Branch office. 12 May 1999. Telephone interview with representative.
Additional Sources Consulted
Embassy of the Russian Federation, Ottawa.
Two oral sources could not provide information within the research deadlines.
