The President of the World Congress of Ukrainians (WCU) Pavlo Hrod shared his thoughts on the acquisition of dual citizenship by Ukrainians abroad. He noted that some of them hesitate to do so, waiting for the end of general mobilization. Pavlo Hrod himself was born in Canada and explained that one of the obstacles for him was that obtaining Ukrainian citizenship could complicate his ability to leave Ukraine due to military service.
If you wait to obtain dual citizenship until after mobilization, it will be better. This is one of the significant barriers today to acquiring dual citizenship
The law on dual citizenship in Ukraine, adopted on June 18, simplifies the process of obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. This law allows the legalization of foreign citizenship and obtaining another citizenship without renouncing Ukrainian citizenship. It also provides a streamlined procedure for acquiring citizenship for foreigners serving in the military in Ukraine.
New Rules on Dual Citizenship
The law also includes restrictions for civil servants and judges concerning dual citizenship. Thus, an individual who holds a passport from another country but is a citizen of Ukraine is considered only a Ukrainian citizen on the territory of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed this law on July 15.
Ukrainians abroad have their own considerations regarding obtaining dual citizenship, taking into account possible risks and restrictions that may arise due to military service and the new rules enacted by Ukrainian legislation.