Ukrainian Parliament intends to ensure the right of foreigners to freedom of religion
The Parliament of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) considered a new version of the Law "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons" on September 9 (draft law # 8570), that regulates the visa procedures and religious activities of foreigners, reports the Institute for Religious Freedom.
The most important in the context of the freedom of religion are changes that involve solving complications of visa procedures for foreign religious leaders, which were recently recently announced by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
Article 5 of the draft law establishes that foreign citizens and stateless persons may reside in Ukraine not only in order to work in religious organizations. Instead, the more extended formulation is offered – "to participate in the activity of religious organizations," which essentially may include preaching activity, studying in religious educational institutions and employment.
According to paragraph 6 of Article 5 of the draft law, the residence of foreign religious leaders on the territory of Ukraine is legal if there is an the invitation from a religious organization registered in Ukraine in the prescribed manner as well as a permit for temporary residence during the period of activity in Ukraine.
In addition, the Constitution of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations," which guarantee the freedom of religion, are cited in Article 19 of the draft law.
The draft law will be re-examined by the Parliament after the completion in the Ukrainian Committee on Human Rights, National Minorities and International Relations. According to the Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, it will happen at the next plenary week September 20-23.
