The issue of granting citizenship to foreigners-defenders of Ukraine will be considered immediately

President Petro Poroshenko will immediately consider the issue of granting citizenship to foreigners-defenders of Ukraine. It was stated by him in response to electronic petition № 22/000504-еп “Grant citizenship to foreigners who defended and defend Ukraine in the area of hostilities” posted on the official website of the President.

“Given the urgent need in solving the issue of granting citizenship to foreigners who defended or defend territorial integrity of Ukraine, I will immediately consider the documents of the above mentioned persons in case they are submitted to the Commission under the President of Ukraine regarding Citizenship and make a decision according to the legislation,” the President responded.

Petro Poroshenko noted that the Law “On Ukrainian Citizenship” provides for a simplified procedure of admission to citizenship of foreigners who have distinguished merits to the country.

He also reminded that the list of documents to be submitted by the above-mentioned persons was set forth in item 49 of the Order of proceedings under the applications for citizenship of Ukraine and the execution of decisions approved by Decree of the President №215 of March 27, 2001. “Thus, in order to resolve the respective issue, foreigners should apply to the territorial department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine by place of residence and submit documents provided for by the Order,” the President said.

In response to the petition, the Head of State also emphasized that he had instructed the Ministry of the Interior and the State Migration Service to promptly provide consultative assistance to the given persons, explain respective procedures in details, ensure prompt consideration of materials etc. “for the state bodies are obliged to patriots”.

Petro Poroshenko reminded that the Parliament of Ukraine had adopted the Law of Ukraine on October 6 in order to ensure the opportunity of being engaged in the Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for foreigners and persons without citizenship. Also, the draft law on simplified procedure of granting citizenship to foreigners and persons without citizenship who undergo military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been adopted in the first reading.

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