Globalization opens up new opportunities for migration, including for residents of the republics of the former USSR. At the same time, the rights of full-fledged citizens of a particular country are usually much broader than those of holders of a work or student visa and even a residence permit. Most developed countries are reluctant to issue their passports to citizens of another country, so it is worth considering how to renounce Tajik citizenship.
What is dual citizenship and is it possible in Tajikistan
To acquire a new citizenship, it is not always necessary to leave the previous one. In international law, there are two terms that describe such a situation:
- Dual citizenship - it is regulated by bilateral interstate agreements and allows the holder to preserve the full completeness of the rights of a citizen of two countries. At the same time, obligations (for example, paying taxes and serving in the ranks of the army) remain with him only in the territory of the country of residence.
- Two citizenships - arises in cases when a person manages to obtain a new citizenship, while retaining the previous one. In many countries, this is considered an offense. In most such cases, both states consider the holder of two passports exclusively their citizens, which means that each of the countries will not only grant him all rights, but also require him to comply with all obligations.
Individuals with two passports are also called bipatrids.
According to the legislation, dual citizenship in Tajikistan is possible only with countries with which the country has entered into an appropriate agreement. As of 2021, such an agreement, signed in 1995, is valid only with Russia.
When there is a need to refuse a Tajik passport
Since an agreement on dual citizenship has been signed between the Russian Federation and Tajikistan, even in cases where the holder of a Tajik passport wishes to acquire a Russian passport, he does not have to renounce Tajik citizenship. But in the case of emigration to the territory of other countries of the world, such a person will most likely have to leave Tajik in order to acquire a new citizenship.
As of 2021, the previous citizenship must be renounced when applying for citizenship of more than 50 countries:
- All states of Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, the Baltic States,
- most countries in Africa and Central America,
- Austria,
- Belarus,
- Holland,
- Greece,
- Germany,
- Indonesia,
- Spain,
- Cuba,
- Norway,
- Paraguay,
- Ukraine.
It should be noted that even in countries where bipatrism is not officially prohibited, such persons often face some restrictions on their rights in comparison with holders of only one citizenship.
In most states of the world, bipatrides are prohibited from engaging in political activities and holding positions related to access to state secrets.
In the Russian Federation, bipatrides are additionally prohibited from being journalists or media owners, as well as working on election commissions.
Thus, it is imperative to give up a Tajik passport for persons wishing to acquire citizenship of states where bipatrism is prohibited, as well as for people wishing to link their career with politics or activities in the media.
Another reason for refusing a passport of Tajikistan may be the unwillingness to fulfill obligations to the republic (in particular, to pay taxes or serve in the army), even if the new homeland does not prohibit bipatrism.
The procedure for renouncing citizenship
The answer to the question whether it is possible to renounce the citizenship of Tajikistan, in most cases, is positive. The procedure for withdrawal is provided for by the Constitutional Law of 14.11.1995 "On Citizenship of the Republic of Tajikistan" No. 104. Withdrawal from citizenship is carried out on the basis of an application written to the President of the Republic. As of 2021, this post is held by Emomali Rahmon.
The decision on the application can be either positive or negative. Typically, the applicant receives a response within a period of six months to a year.
Renunciation of the citizenship of the Republic of Tajikistan for persons whose family members are holders of foreign passports, as well as for holders of residence permits in a foreign state, is carried out in a notification procedure. This means that if all the formalities are met and there are no legal obstacles, then the renunciation of citizenship occurs automatically.
Let's take a closer look at what documents are needed to renounce Tajik citizenship:
- 2 copies of the application, the form of which can be downloaded from the websites of the diplomatic missions of the republic;
- handwritten autobiography;
- copy of Tajik passport and birth certificate;
- a copy of the residence permit and other documents confirming the possibility of acquiring a new citizenship;
- certificates of family composition and place of residence;
- a certificate of conviction or lack thereof;
- certificate of absence of tax arrears to Tajikistan;
- a document confirming the payment of the consular fee;
- 6 color photos: 4 formats 4 × 6 cm and 2 formats 3 × 4 cm;
- binder folder.
Additionally, you may need (if any):
- copy of marriage certificate;
- certificate of discharge from the place of residence in Tajikistan;
- a copy of documents on the status of men of military age (military ID, summons, and so on).
Where can I write a refusal
You can apply for renunciation of Tajik citizenship on the territory of the country to the bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic through a personal visit.
If the applicant is on the territory of a foreign state, then the application is submitted to the embassy or consulate of Tajikistan.
Refusal of citizenship of Tajikistan in Russia is possible by contacting the embassy of the republic, which is located at the address: Moscow, Granatny lane, 13. The opening hours of the organization can be found on its official website. Please note that the consular service is located in a different building - at the address: Skatertny lane, 19.
There are consulates of the republic in other cities of the Russian Federation:
- in St. Petersburg (st.Tambovskaya, 10),
- Yekaterinburg (street Grazhdanskaya, 4),
- Ufa (Tsyurupy st., 149).
If you are on the territory of another state, then you should familiarize yourself with the addresses of Tajik embassies and consulates in other countries.
In what cases can they refuse to renounce citizenship?
What will happen if you renounce Tajik citizenship depends on specific life situations. In no case will the application of persons who, after the loss of Tajik citizenship, be able to immediately enter a new one, will not be satisfied: the deliberate creation of situations leading to a complete lack of citizenship is prohibited by the UN Convention of 08.30.1961 "On the Reduction of Statelessness".
In addition, Tajik legislation provides for other reasons for refusal:
- receiving a summons to the armed forces of Tajikistan;
- the applicant has the status of a defendant in a criminal case or a conviction has entered into force against him;
- the person who submitted the application has debts to the tax service of the country;
- a person is a bearer of state secrets with an unexpired limitation period, or his renunciation of citizenship harms the security of Tajikistan.
The denial of the application must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the reasons that led to such a decision.
Is it possible to lose Tajik citizenship
Persons who:
- entered service in any law enforcement agency of a foreign state (police, army, special services);
- permanently resided in the territory of a foreign state for 5 years, without registering with the Tajik consulate.
The loss of citizenship occurs upon the fact of official registration at the Tajik consulate of the listed circumstances.
Conclusion
Withdrawal from Tajik citizenship does not pose a problem for persons who have confirmed the guarantees of obtaining a passport of another state and do not have debts and other legal obstacles.
It is imperative to give up a Tajik passport when obtaining citizenship of countries that do not recognize bipatrides. The Russian Federation does not belong to such countries, therefore, its potential citizen needs to give up the Tajik passport only in very rare cases: for example, if he wants to engage in politics or journalistic activities.
You can declare your refusal both while in Tajikistan and abroad - at any diplomatic mission of the republic.
