No Russian passport without an oath? State Duma introduces new requirements

The State Duma has passed the first reading of a bill requiring foreign citizens to take an oath when obtaining Russian citizenship from the age of 14. If they refuse to take the oath, the decision to issue a passport will be considered invalid, reports NewsBox.

The State Duma of the Russian Federation approved in the first reading a bill mandating foreign citizens applying for Russian citizenship to pledge allegiance from the age of 14. Should they decline this procedure, the decision to grant citizenship will be revoked.

The developers of the initiative explain the introduction of this requirement as necessary to "enhance patriotic spirit" and ensure a conscious acceptance of obligations towards the state, including adherence to the Constitution and the laws of Russia.

Currently, the mandatory oath is only required for adults who obtain citizenship through application. Citizens who are born with Russian citizenship are not obliged to take the oath.

The adoption of the bill in the first reading implies that in the future, foreign teenagers wishing to acquire Russian citizenship will have to formally swear loyalty to Russia.