Number of Azerbaijani citizenship applicants on rise
By Jamila Babayeva
The number of people applying to obtain Azerbaijani citizenship has been on the rise over the last two years.
Head of the State Migration Service Firudin Nabiyev made the remarks at the business-to-government dialogue organized by the State Migration Service and Caspian European Club (CEIBC) on June 10.
"Some 237 persons obtained citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan during the first half-year," he said.
In 2013, 231 persons obtained the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and citizenship of 10 persons was restored.
Nabiyev said the persons who obtained citizenship are from the European and eastern countries, and the Azerbaijanis who left their homeland at early 1990.
Those who wish to obtain citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan firstly must apply to the President of Azerbaijan by filling an application.
Other documents to be attached include a biography, four photos (3x4cm), reference from the place of residence about family, receipt for paid state duty, reference from the Ministry of Education about Azerbaijan Republic's official language skills, a copy of the permission card for permanent residence in the territory of Azerbaijan Republic, notarized copy of the document certifying the identity, document certifying existence of legal source of income (one of the following documents: reference from work place, reference on getting pension, grant or social assistant, reference from tax collecting body on income of physical persons, reference on receipt of alimony, inheritance certificate, etc., based petition of state body inviting him/her to Azerbaijan Republic (highly qualified specialists in the fields of science, technology, culture or sport stipulated in 1st item of the fourth paragraph of Article 14th of Azerbaijani Republic Law "on citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan".
The meeting further discussed issues of migration legislation, prospects of development in this sphere as well as issues that are of interest to CEIBC.
Nabiyev spoke in details about the activity of the State Migration Service and the migration policy of the state.
Speaking about the illegal migrants, Nabiyev said their number is almost 8,700.
"The number of immigrants to Azerbaijan is higher than those who are leaving the country. Some 60,000-65,000 persons are registered at the unified information system on migration every month," he added.
Nabiyev said that Azerbaijan's rapid growing economy attracts more labor migrants to the country.
"Azerbaijan applies a concrete quota for the labor migrants, which has been determined at 12,000 persons for 2014," he noted.
Based on the results of the meeting, an agreement about creation of the working group for prompt response to problems that the companies face when working the State Migration Service was reached.