Individuals seeking Czech citizenship may be compelled to relinquish their Russian passports
The Czech Republic is considering a new policy that would require Russians to surrender their passports as a condition for obtaining Czech citizenship, according to the daily newspaper Blesk.
The proposed amendment to the country’s citizenship law is being advocated by the Mayors and Independents (STAN) party. MP Martin Exner reportedly stated that the requirement for single citizenship would apply to all Russian nationals, with exceptions for asylum seekers and certain other specific cases.
The amendment could also include revised regulations regarding the extension of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine.
“We cannot allow that at a time when Russia is taking hostile actions not only against Ukraine, but also against us and other EU countries, its citizens can acquire Czech citizenship, and thus all the rights related to it,” Exner was quoted as saying.
Similarly, Minister of the Interior Vit Rakusan said: “The security situation requires us to respond to the increased number of requests from Russian citizens for our citizenship.”
Statistics from the Interior Ministry reportedly show that around 5,000 foreigners are granted Czech citizenship annually, with Ukrainians, Slovaks, and Russians making up the majority. The Ukraine conflict has resulted in a significant increase in the number of foreigners residing in the Czech Republic.
Foreigners are eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in the country for at least ten years and must pass a Czech language test to obtain it. Meanwhile, Czech nationals are permitted to hold dual or multiple citizenships, in accordance with EU regulations.
In 2023, over 1,000 Russians obtained Czech passports, representing a 50% increase compared to the previous year, the report stated. Approximately 40,000 Russians with temporary or permanent residence permits currently reside in the country.
“The question is about the loyalty of these people to our state,” Exner remarked, adding: “It cannot be ruled out that at least a certain part of them considers the Czech Republic an enemy state and can be used by Russia in the future for at least various forms of political pressure.”
Russian citizens will face a choice between allegiance to the Czech Republic or Russia, the MP concluded.
The Czech Republic, a NATO member, has been among the most vocal critics of Russia within the EU during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In addition to upholding all EU sanctions, providing military assistance to Kyiv, and limiting trade with Moscow, Prague has also completely ceased issuing visas and tightened visa regulations for Russian diplomats.