According to a decree signed Friday by Vladimir Putin, Russia will facilitate access to Russian nationality for foreigners signing a contract in the army and their families, in the midst of the conflict in Ukraine. The spouses, children and parents of foreigners signing a contract with the army will also be able to benefit from simplified access.
Moscow will facilitate access to Russian nationality for foreigners signing a contract in the army and their families, in the midst of the conflict in Ukraine, according to a decree signed Friday by President Vladimir Putin. “Foreign citizens or stateless persons signing a contract to serve in the Russian Armed Forces (…) for at least one year and taking part (or having taken part) in military operations for at least six months” will benefit from the simplified procedure for obtain a Russian passport, according to this decree.
Spouses, children and parents of foreigners also concerned
The text, published on the official documents portal, specifies that the measure will also apply to those who have served less than six months, if they have received a combat injury allowing them to be demobilized for “reason of health”. Finally, the spouses, children and parents of foreigners signing a contract with the army will also be able to benefit from simplified access to Russian nationality, again according to the decree.
This measure seems to be aimed in particular at immigrants from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, who occupy the most difficult jobs in large cities, such as the capital Moscow. After the announcement of a “partial” mobilization last week by Russia, faced with military difficulties in Ukraine, several former Soviet republics in Central Asia had called on their nationals not to participate in the conflict.
Last week, Vladimir Putin had also signed a law according to which foreigners who join the army for a period of at least one year could apply for nationality, without having to justify the five years of residence on Russian territory normally required.