Opinion: Belarus has well-considered migration policy

220 people have been granted Belarusian citizenship, including 27 minors, following the President’s decree signed in late 2022. Political expert Aleksandr Shpakovsky commented on the decision in his talk with Alfa Radio

The expert stressed that Belarus’ migration policy is very well-considered, though some consider it too tough.

“If we grant [citizenship] to anyone, we should understand why a person has come to the country, and what he will do here. I would like to note that representatives of the nations that are not close to the Belarusian mentality also receive citizenship, and these people are successfully legalised in the country. There is practically no ethnic crime in Belarus. Moreover, representatives of the communities that have extremely conflicted relations live here – i.e. Armenians and Azerbaijanis. I know the cases when they successfully interact in our country, since – by accepting Belarusian citizenship, obtaining a passport or a residence permit in Belarus – they primarily become participants of our legal field. Everyone who lives here understands this," Mr. Shpakovsky said.

Speaking about the number of Ukrainians who have recently come to Belarus, the expert noted that not all of them take root, “It is hard for those who are used to different rules of behaviour or a different legal and political culture. People who share the values of social justice, the rule of law and labour take root. Ukrainians – who have such principles – certainly find themselves in Belarus, and there are often patriots among them. Importantly, we guarantee each of them the right to healthcare and a peaceful life.”