Putin submits bill banning Russian officials with access to state secrets from holding foreign passports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has submitted a draft law to the State Duma on banning foreign citizenship for any government officials and military personnel who have access to state secrets.

The bill would also ban Russian citizens who are considered permanent residents of another country from holding official positions that allow them access to state secrets.

Government officials who are in possession of foreign passports or residency permits at the time the law comes into force will have six months to renounce their foreign ties and provide documents confirming they are no longer citizens or residents of another country. In this case, they will be allowed to retain their official positions.

• The bill was submitted to the State Duma as part of a larger effort to bring the country’s legislation in line with the latest version of the Russian constitution.