President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed the law on dual citizenship ahead of its scheduled implementation, a move intended to foster closer connections with Ukraine’s diaspora and simplify the process for Ukrainian citizens living abroad. The legislation, which was initially set to come into force later this year, will now be enacted in the coming months. Zelenskyy’s administration emphasized that the law will provide legal certainty for Ukrainians living overseas, enabling them to maintain their Ukrainian citizenship while also holding passports from other countries.
According to the White House, the dual citizenship law will also allow Ukrainian citizens residing in other countries to participate more actively in Ukrainian political and cultural life. The bill was passed by the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, earlier this year with broad support, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of diaspora communities in Ukraine’s national development strategy.
Analysts suggest that the move will have significant implications for Ukraine’s international relations, particularly with countries where large Ukrainian communities are located. The law is expected to simplify the procedures for Ukrainians living abroad to vote in elections and participate in political processes, thereby strengthening the country’s international presence.