Circassian repatriates report difficulties with obtaining Russian citizenship

Middle-aged and older repatriates find it difficult to adapt in Russia, learn the language, and find a job, report ethnic Circassians who moved to Adygea from Syria. The flow of repatriates fell due to the normalization of the situation in Syria, reported officials in Adygea.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 25, the Union of Public Associations "International Circassian Organization" (ICO) asked the President of Russia to include compatriots from Syria living in Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia in the category of persons entitled to get Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure.

24-year-old Nuran Chouk said that she and her parents came to Adygea from Syria two years ago. In Russia, she plans to become an English teacher; however, according to the young woman, it is impossible to get a normal job in Adygea and in the Krasnodar Territory without Russian citizenship.

Seven years ago, 24-year-old Nart Tugul came to Russia from Syria together with his family members. He lives in Maikop. The young man and his sister got Russian citizenship only six months ago. Their parents failed to get Russian citizenship and left for Europe.

According to Asker Shkhalakhov, the chair of the committee for national affairs, relations with compatriots and the media of Adygea, in all cases when Syrian repatriates were deported, the people themselves had failed to fulfill the requirements. As an example, Asker Shkhalakhov mentioned the case of Anazor Arslanuk, who was deported, since his documents had expired and he had not studied for two years.

Besides, the refusal to grant citizenship can often be explained by the absence of necessary documents, Asker Shkhalakhov has added.