Belarus tightens regulations on diplomats. They cannot have the Pole’s Card

The Nasha Niva portal, independent of the authorities in Minsk, drew attention to the decree signed by Lukashenko. It was noted that previously the obstacle to becoming a diplomat was the foreign citizenship of the wife or husband. Currently, persons whose spouses have a foreign residence permit or another document entitling them to permanent residence abroad or to benefits there due to political views, religion or nationality cannot apply for the position. This also applies to siblings, parents (including stepparents) and children (including adopted ones), we read in the decree of the Belarusian leader, who is not recognized by the international community.

The decision to employ (or extend the stay in the diplomatic service) a person whose close relatives have such a foreign document is agreed with the KGB. When employing diplomats, they will be required to undergo a polygraph examination. It is expected that the employment relationship with already active diplomats will be terminated if it turns out that a relative of a given person has such a document.

The Our Niva portal reminded that previously Belarusians who received a residence permit or a Pole’s Card were obliged to inform the Belarusian authorities about it. There are known cases where employees with Pole Cards were summoned to company management and forced to hand over a document giving the right to live abroad.

As the authorities explain, the updated rules take into account the changing international situation, Lukashenko’s approach and instructions to organizing the work of diplomatic service bodies and the nature of its tasks at this stage, Nasha Niva reports.