Estonia cracks down on dual citizenship with threat of revoked nationality

Over 60 people holding dual citizenship have received notifications from authorities in Estonia, requiring them to choose which nationality they wish to retain. Failure to do so could result in the loss of Estonian citizenship.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 60 residents of Estonia have been contacted by the Police and Border Guard Board, informing them that dual citizenship is prohibited in the country, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The individuals must decide which citizenship they prefer, reports ERR News on February 5.

Annika Karm, an expert from the Department of Police and Border Guard’s Identity and Status Bureau, stated that the rule applies to all dual citizens, not just those holding Estonian and Russian nationality.

"The law does not specify that this only concerns those with Estonian and Russian citizenship. Dual citizenship is banned for everyone, regardless of which countries' citizenship they hold," Karm explained.

While the Department has no exact figures on the number of dual citizens in Estonia, Karm noted that these individuals often conceal their second nationality. "We only become aware of such cases when we discover them. As of today, over 60 individuals have received notifications about the need to clarify their citizenship status," she added.

Karm emphasized that the state gives a deadline for people to make their decision. If they fail to respond, they will lose their Estonian citizenship. "If you receive the notification, do not respond, and do not make a choice, the Police and Border Guard Board will complete the process, and you will be considered to have lost your Estonian citizenship," Karm concluded.

If a person decides to keep their Estonian nationality, they must formally renounce their other citizenship. Each case is reviewed individually, and people facing bureaucratic hurdles in renouncing foreign citizenship should inform the authorities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev