Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the federal law for ratification of the agreement on dual citizenship with Georgia’s occupied South Ossetia region.

The agreement will allow “citizens” of so-called South Ossetia to acquire Russian citizenship without renouncing their citizenship. The same will apply to Russian citizens. The agreement is valid for 5 years.

The residents with dual citizenship will have the right to social security, education, and medical care as per the legislation of the territory they reside in permanently. The agreement also applies to military service.