The Government of Montenegro is initiating a review of honorary citizenships previously granted to foreigners. This decision was made after an incident with a businessman from Kosovo, Naser Ramaj, who, after receiving such citizenship, is involved in a case of embezzling over 2.2 million euros. This was reported by Adria.tv, reports UNN.
Details
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić called on the Minister of Internal Affairs to urgently initiate the procedure to deprive Ramaj of his citizenship.
Honorary citizenship was granted to Ramaj, a defendant in a criminal case, as a major investor under the previous government. Now he is accused of tax evasion on significant amounts.
Granting citizenship to a person who is under investigation for tax evasion and financial fraud could harm Montenegro's international reputation, especially in the eyes of partners from the European Union, which could negatively affect future investments and the negotiating position in European integration
The Prime Minister of Montenegro also announced that in the coming days he will initiate a review of all honorary citizenships awarded for compliance with the criteria of the legislation.
Supplement
The Law on Citizenship of Montenegro stipulates that a foreigner can become an honorary citizen if his activity "is of particular importance for the state, scientific, economic, cultural, economic, sports and other interests of Montenegro".
Honorary citizenship of Montenegro is awarded exclusively on the basis of a proposal from senior government officials.
In total, as of the end of November 2022, Montenegro issued more than a thousand passports to foreigners on the basis of a decision on honorary citizenship.
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