Penalties for concealment of dual citizenship

24.05.2014

The State Duma adopted a law that carries criminal liability for concealment of dual citizenship.  Failure to fulfill this requirement carries a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or in the amount of income for the period up to a year or compulsory work for up to 400 hours.

The citizenship law is complemented with an article obliging those who have the other citizenship along with Russian one to notify the Federal Migration Service within two months from the date of acquisition.

It is clarified that criminal liability will be imposed only for the breach of duty to notify the acquisition of foreign citizenship. In the event notification is not filled in time, filled incomplete or deliberately providing false information, the holder of dual citizenship will be fined 500 to 1,000 rubles.

Introduction of criminal responsibility for the breach of duty to notify the acquisition of foreign citizenship is based on the fact that, according to deputies, administrative responsibility will not motivate citizens to notify the authorities of the Federal Migration Service.

As for citizens of Crimea, the law will come into force on January 1, 2016.