No, these countries haven't developed new passports containing a hidden death ray gun. But changes in Russia's citizenship laws—and amendments that Romania is now considering—are every bit as potent. Even gentle Canada is getting in on the act, although in its case, there's no evidence of hostile intent.
Starting in 2000, Russia has granted citizenship to nearly 3 million ethnic Russians living outside its borders, especially in Georgia, Moldova, Estonia and Ukraine. All of these nations were former satellite states of the Soviet Union. And the Kremlin's action is a provocative instrument of foreign policy.
For instance, Russia justified its military invasion of Georgia last year by saying it was protecting Russian citizens living abroad. But this occurred only after the Kremlin handed out hundreds of thousands of passports in the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. And with 200,000 Russian citizens now living in Estonia, and another 200,000 or so in the Crimea—the jewel of Ukraine—Russia may have created a justification to intervene in these areas as well.
It's a little like Canada telling U.S. citizens that they're now Canadian, and then justifying an invasion of the United States to protect them.
Oh, wait…Canada has now done this, although (other than in South Park) there are no plans to invade the United States. Thanks to a new law, Canada has granted citizenship to hundreds of thousands of former citizens and their descendants. Most of these individuals live in the United States.
Unlike Russia, Canada's motive appears peaceful. The amendments to Canada's Citizenship Act restore Canadian nationality to those forced to renounce it when they became citizens of other countries. It also grants Canadian citizenship to their children.
The same can't be said for political hijinks now playing out in Romania, one of the newest members of the European Union. Last week, the Romanian government introduced a bill that would grant citizenship to anyone living in Moldova with a Romanian grandparent or great-grandparent. Previously, only Moldovans with Romanian grandparents could apply. In addition, Moldovans who qualify under these criteria would no longer need to learn Romanian to obtain a passport.
Romania took this action after Moldova imposed visa requirements on Romanian passport-holders visiting Moldova. Should Romania enacts its new citizenship legislation, Moldova may enact its own law banning dual citizenship. If that happens, more than one million Romanian citizens living in Moldova would have to leave Moldova unless they renounce their Romanian nationality.
What a mess! However, these developments create new opportunities for those affected by them to obtain a "better" passport (in terms of travel options available) than they now possess. For instance, the Canadian passport is one of the world's best travel documents, with visa-free access to more than 150 countries. The Romanian passport is also an excellent travel document, as it now provides visa-free access to the entire European Union. (You must, however, first obtain a valid national ID card from Romania). The downside, of course, is if you live in Moldova and don't want to leave.
And Russia? Well, Russian passport holders can travel visa-free to only about 80 countries. But Russia has military and diplomatic clout—something that can't be said for Georgia, Moldova, Estonia and Ukraine.
One thing is for sure. Jockeying for military and political advantage through passport diplomacy is bound to continue. And while the geopolitical impact may be uncertain, the opportunity these developments provide for those newly eligible to receive a passport may be incalculable.
If you're not eligible for a second passport by way of your ancestry, marriage, or prolonged residence in another country, The Nestmann Group, Ltd. can assist you in obtaining alternative citizenship and tax-advantaged residence. Please contact us for more information at info@nestmann.com.
Copyright © 2009 by Mark Nestmann
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