Kyrgyzstan has tightened certain provisions of its citizenship legislation

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, has signed a decree amending the procedure for considering citizenship matters. The amendments relate to the procedures for acquiring and renouncing citizenship, confirming citizenship status, and the grounds for its loss.

One of the key changes concerns individuals who have acquired Kyrgyz citizenship through naturalisation. Under the amendments, citizenship may be revoked if such a citizen engages in activities that pose a threat to the country’s national security, or serves in the armed forces, law enforcement agencies or special services of a foreign state.

The document also sets out new requirements for citizens of neighbouring states who have acquired Kyrgyz citizenship. When renewing their passport one year after their initial registration, they will be required to present an official document confirming the renunciation of their previous citizenship.

Furthermore, the opportunities for ethnic Kyrgyz to acquire citizenship have been expanded. In particular, a child of ethnic Kyrgyz born on the territory of the republic will be recognised as a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, regardless of the citizenship and permanent place of residence of their parents.

The amendments clarify the requirements for submitting documents via automated information systems and introduce the use of data from the Unified Notarial Information System to verify a number of documents and consents.

The changes also affect the procedure for granting citizenship to foreign nationals and stateless persons. Applications may now be submitted provided the applicant is registered at their place of residence and holds one of the documents confirming their lawful status in the country, including a residence permit, a stateless person’s certificate, a refugee certificate or a Mekhen Card.

As noted in the decree, the amendments are aimed at systematising the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of citizenship.

The document will come into force ten days after its official publication.