Lukashenko signs amendments to citizenship law

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed a law to amend the law on the citizenship of the Republic of Belarus on 5 January, the president's press service told BelTA.

In particular, the amendments elaborate the category of people, who acquire Belarus' citizenship by birth. In line with the document people, who are about to get Belarus' citizenship, will have to swear an oath. Belarus citizens will have to notify the relevant authorities about the foreign citizenship they have, a foreign residence permit, or another document that entitles the citizens to preferences and benefits in another country. The amendments also allow stripping individuals staying abroad of their Belarusian citizenship by birth if a court ruling, which confirms the individual has been involved in extremist activities or has caused grave damage to Belarus' interests, has come into effect.

The amendments are supposed to improve citizenship regulations with a view to ensuring national security.