How to become a Ukrainian?

Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, National Minorities and International Relations passed a draft resolution approving in principle a bill amending Article 9 of the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine,” registered by the house’s clerk on September 23. The committee chair, MP Valerii Patskan said that the committee members were “almost unanimous” in their support for the decision. However, Patskan was unable to provide a date for the bill’s reading by the full chamber.

The bill’s author, Batkivshchyna party MP Andrii Parubii proposes to supplement the Law of Ukraine “On Citizenship of Ukraine” with new items. In particular, he calls for introduction of mandatory oral and written testing for knowledge of the Ukrainian Constitution and a working command of the official language. He proposes also to waive this requirement for persons who are communication-impaired due to disability.

Another Parubii’s proposal calls to limit naturalization to applicants whose legitimate incomes are at least equal to subsistence minimum for Ukrainian citizens, so applicants will have to submit certified income statement. “We are talking about a common European practice. Every aspiring citizen of Ukraine must know its Constitution, laws, and language,” the committee’s chair said.

COMMENTARY

Viktor TYMOSHCHUK, head of the Center for Political and Legal Reforms:

“Obviously, the authors of the bill were guided by a wish to see Ukraine populated in any case, even if immigration becomes inevitable, with new citizens who could provide for themselves and not those who would apply for social assistance. I am not sure, however, if this certified income statement requirement is even justified. The question would arise, what was the status of this person when they were living here before submitting an application? If they wish to move to Ukraine for good, their income should not be the main requirement. I support the authors’ emphasis on language command and knowledge of the Constitution. But beyond that, we need to do a realistic assessment of the person’s resources, such as education level and previous work experience. I would not rely on the certified income statement, but would allow more freedom of action to the naturalization services, and allow the applicant to provide other evidence of their desire to live in Ukraine, work here legally, integrate into Ukrainian society. The evidence can include documents corroborating that the person is already employed, has a job offer, or has their own business idea and is willing to register as a private entrepreneur in Ukraine. As corrupt as our nation currently is, certificates are easy to buy, so the idea is unlikely to repay effort.”