Moldova included in Ukraine’s simplified citizenship process
Ukraine has added the Republic of Moldova to the list of countries whose citizens can benefit from a simplified process for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko stated that this decision is a "natural step," as Ukraine and Moldova share a common border, have a mutual goal of joining the European Union, and offer each other support in the face of Russian aggression.
“There is a large Ukrainian community in Moldova, and we want them to have easier access to Ukrainian citizenship. Our next task is to make this procedure as convenient as possible,” the official told english.nv.ua (NV).
According to Yulia Sviridenko, applicants for Ukrainian citizenship are required to take exams in Ukrainian, the Constitution, and Ukrainian history. Currently, these exams can only be taken within Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian government is working on enabling applicants to take the exams remotely.
“The final stage of document processing through diplomatic missions abroad also needs to be regulated so that people can obtain Ukrainian passports without unnecessary obstacles,” Sviridenko said.
On March 1, Dina Urikh, program director of the Plakhta charity foundation, informed NV that young Ukrainians who grew up in temporarily occupied territories and have never obtained their first Ukrainian passport face significant bureaucratic challenges when trying to reach areas under Ukrainian control and complete their documentation.
The main issue is the complicated procedure for verifying identity, which often requires documents or statements from relatives. In many instances, this evidence is difficult to obtain due to the Russian occupation or challenging family circumstances.
Although procedures have been somewhat simplified, the process of issuing documents can still take months, making it difficult for these young people to return to and reintegrate into Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybikha announced on June 5 a simplified procedure that allows young people from temporarily occupied territories who do not have a Ukrainian passport to obtain the necessary documents for their return to Ukraine through Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad.
As a result, Ukrainian citizens born in temporarily occupied territories who have never held a Ukrainian passport can obtain a travel certificate to return to Ukraine free of charge through these diplomatic missions. Upon their return, they will be able to apply for an identity card and a passport for travel abroad.
