Seeking advice on Dual Nationality

[Basil]

Hi all

Firstly, please accept my apologies if this is in the wrong section of the forum, I wasn't sure where it was best to post this.

I wish to ask about possible issues I need to be aware of regarding dual nationality and my son.

I am British born and my wife was born in Ukraine. We have a son now, who was born in the UK so automatically becomes a British citizen (we have applied for his first passport).

My wife wishes him to have dual nationality and I am concerned about this, as it is a subject I know little about.

My questions are:

1. Will it affect his rights and entitlements as a British citizen in any way?
2. I understand technically, dual citizenship is not encouraged in Ukraine, but also quite common. Is this true? I have read some websites that say it is theoretically illegal but also widely tolerated??
3. Anything else I need to be aware / conscious of?

We live in the UK and he will only visit Ukraine for family trips. Not sure if that fact affects anything.

Any advice any of you can give would be very gratefully received.

With thanks ...

[ban.s]

1. No
2. I am not an expert on Ukrainian Citizenship. According to Wikipedia

Ukrainian law currently does not recognise dual citizenship. However there are citizens of Ukraine who hold dual citizenship. Various estimates put the number of Ukrainians with more than one passport from 300,000 to a few million.Within Ukrainian boundaries Ukrainian citizens who also hold multiple citizenships are considered to be solely Ukrainian citizens.

“ If a citizen of Ukraine acquires citizenship (nationality) of another state or states, in legal relations with Ukraine, the person is recognized as a citizen of Ukraine only. If a foreigner acquires the citizenship of Ukraine, then in legal relations with Ukraine, the person is recognized as a citizen of Ukraine only... ”
—Article 2. Law on citizenship of Ukraine.

On February 8, 2014, the Rada proposed a bill to criminalize the act of holding two citizenships.

There may be issue in future if the above bill is passed to criminalise dual citizens. A minor may not be able to renounce citizenship. There might be other changes in Citizenship laws considering current political situation.

[Wanderer]

Ukraine doesn't allow dual nationality. though I know plenty who just disregard it. Points to be wary of;

1. If Ukr Border official or any official really in Ukr discover UK passport or discrepancy with stamps etc, could mean a big fine (or bribe)

2. Remaining a Ukr. citizen makes the lad liable for the army so if in the future they see his Ukr passport on a visit to Ukr he could get his calling-up papers. Obliviously when he's 18 or over!

[Basil]

Many thanks for the reply, that new bill is certainly concerning! Perhaps best to avoid DN ...

[Basil]

What if he technically became a dual national but only travelled on his British passport?
As for the army thing .. certainly wouldn't want that risk at the moment! (though he's a looooong way off 18!)

[Wanderer]

What if he technically became a dual national but only travelled on his British passport?
As for the army thing .. certainly wouldn't want that risk at the moment! (though he's a looooong way off 18!)

Added risk of Ukr invoking visa rules again (as you will know, UK citizens don't need a visa at present), I don't know how it can be policed but as you will know if they can extract fine out of you somehow for something over there, they will.

Consider this too:

Citizenship of children, one of whose parents is a citizen of Ukraine
In case of different citizenship of parents, one of whom held citizenship of Ukraine at the moment of child's birth, the child shall be a citizen of Ukraine:

if he/she was born in the territory of Ukraine;
if he/she was born beyond the borders of the state, but his/her parents or one of them lived permanently on the territory of Ukraine at that time.

So to me it seems the child is British automatically, and can only become Ukrainian by renouncing other citizenships, obviously daft for a baby, in other words, Blimey!

Suggest you hop along to http://www.ruadventures.com there's lots of people with Ukrainian spouses in UK who have probably been through this.

[Basil]

Many thanks! I appreciate the help