Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been a significant increase in Russian citizens seeking Kyrgyz passports. This trend has been met with mixed responses in Kyrgyzstan as concerns grow around potential corruption and the expedited processes for Russians. Lawmakers are calling for investigations into discrepancies in the citizenship process affecting ethnic Kyrgyz amidst this influx.
Well-off Russians have increasingly sought financial security and travel ease through golden passport and visa programs offered by offshore locations like Cyprus and Malta. However, due to international travel restrictions following the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, many are now turning to Kyrgyzstan as a closer alternative to obtain second passports. This surge has not been welcomed by all in Kyrgyzstan, as local opposition representatives express discontent over how easily Russian citizens can acquire Kyrgyz citizenship.
A Kyrgyz opposition lawmaker, Dastan Bekeshev, highlighted the mockery faced by the Kyrgyz government from Russian social media, stating that Russian bloggers joke about the simplicity of buying Kyrgyz citizenship. Official government statistics reveal a sharp increase in Russian nationals obtaining Kyrgyz passports since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, with numbers rising from just 400 in 2021 to over 7,000 projected for 2024.
The fast-growing market for Kyrgyz passports includes numerous online brokers advertising their services on platforms like Facebook and Telegram. They emphasize the advantages of Kyrgyz citizenship, including reduced travel restrictions and access to various international visa programs previously unavailable to Russians. However, there are allegations of potential fraud and corruption involving both the brokers and Kyrgyz officials facilitating these services.
Kyrgyz officials report that while the expedited process for obtaining citizenship can be completed within just months, concerns about corruption persist. Opposition figures argue that certain brokers may have connections to Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies, which could lead to an expedited process for Russians willing to pay.
A broker contacted by RFE/RL suggested that agreeing to terms with officials could significantly accelerate citizenship applications, although a Kyrgyz official dismissed these claims of corruption. The official emphasized that the citizenship process involves multiple checks and stages, diminishing the likelihood of individual corruption.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there has been a significant uptick in Russians obtaining Kyrgyz citizenship, driven by factors such as fleeing political repression and military conscription. Notably, ethnic Russians with Kyrgyz ancestry benefit from agreements that simplify acquiring citizenship, allowing them to bypass residency obligations.
Significantly, high-profile Russian individuals linked to politics and business have also gained Kyrgyz citizenship since the war began. The motives behind these citizenship applications remain varied, with some citing business opportunities in Kyrgyzstan as a key factor for their decision, while others seek refuge from political pressures.
The surge in Russian applications for Kyrgyz passports raises concerns about the treatment of ethnic Kyrgyz from other nations who face delays or barriers to citizenship. Local lawmakers are calling for investigations into possible connections between Russian brokers and the Kyrgyz government, expressing frustration that citizenship is easier for some Russians than it is for deserving ethnic Kyrgyz.
Despite promises of streamlined access to Kyrgyz citizenship for ethnic Kyrgyz, many continue to face bureaucratic hurdles in their application processes. The opposition demands action to address apparent disparities in how citizenship is granted and to ensure that stories of exploitation or unfair practices are investigated thoroughly.
The influx of Russian citizens seeking Kyrgyz passports amid geopolitical shifts has sparked debates about security, corruption, and fairness in citizenship policies. While Kyrgyzstan is seen as a refuge, concerns persist that these advantages are not equitably shared with ethnic Kyrgyz enduring complex bureaucratic challenges. Lawmakers are pushing for accountability and transparency in the citizenship process to ensure all applicants are treated justly.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
