Oath and language knowledge: updated law on citizenship comes into force in Belarus

An updated law on Belarusian citizenship is coming into force in Belarus today. Taking an oath for persons acquiring citizenship will become mandatory. Tests for knowledge of one of the state languages (Russian or Belarusian) will be introduced. They will be taken in writing. Additional grounds for canceling decisions on citizenship, if a person refuses to take the oath, will also be introduced.

According to the head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Alexei Begun, the changes to the law affect a number of innovations. The legislation on citizenship is dynamically changing depending on the realities of today, as well as the challenges and threats faced by Belarus and aspects related to the migration of the population.