Moscow, 24 September 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced a bill that would make it easier for residents of other former Soviet republics to acquire Russian citizenship. The amendment would waive some of the tough conditions for obtaining Russian citizenship which came as part of a citizenship law which went into effect last year. That law requires applicants to spend at least five years in the country, pass a Russian-language exam, and already have a job.
Putin's amendments propose that former Soviet citizens receive Russian citizenship without the five-year residency restriction and language test, among other restrictions.
Putin's amendments propose that former Soviet citizens receive Russian citizenship without the five-year residency restriction and language test, among other restrictions.