Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has introduced a bill to the State Duma simplifying procedures for granting Russian citizenship to children who have one Russian parent.
“The aim of the proposed amendments is to create a simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for a child living abroad who has one parent with Russian citizenship,” according to the explanatory memorandum attached to the bill, which amends Russia's Law on Citizenship.
It is often difficult for Russia to safeguard the interests of children who do not have Russian citizenship and complicates the exercise of parental rights guaranteed in Russian law.
“There are a number of well-known conflicts, where Russian citizenship has been a critical factor,” the memorandum said.
The bill will help reinforce Russia's efforts to develop closer ties with its nationals abroad, it said.
