MOSCOW — The Kyrgyz Embassy in Moscow has expressed concern over the increasing number of schemes that con Kyrgyz nationals seeking Russian citizenship, RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service reports.
On October 24, the Russian authorities introduced new amendments to migration regulation under which citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan no longer have the right to the “simplified” acquisition of Russian citizenship.
Kyrgyz Embassy officials say Kyrgyz citizens in some Russian cities have been offered assistance in submitting the paperwork now required for applications for Russian citizenship, but many such offers have proven fraudulent.
The average sum such “fixers” demand for their services in expediting the acquisition of Russian citizenship is $1,000.
The officials urge all Kyrgyz citizens working in Russia who seek to obtain Russian citizenship to apply only to regional branches of the Russian Migration Service and to avoid any persons or companies promising assistance in doing so.
Hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz citizens work in Russia as migrant laborers on a permanent basis.
Many of them acquire Russian citizenship to legalize their residence and work in Russia. Kyrgyzstan recognizes dual citizenship.
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