MOSCOW, Mar 2The first deputy head of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities Affairs, Ildar Gilmutdinov (United Russia), commenting on the proposal to return the «nationality» column to Russian passports, told RIA Novosti that this issue can only be considered if there is serious argument from the authors of the initiative. Previously, a State Duma deputy from United Russia and Paralympic athlete Sergei Burlakov proposed to return the column «nationality» to the Russian passport, according to him, this is relevant in the current international situation. «/>18:23The Federation Council supported the idea of returning the «nationality» column to the passportThis topic was already discussed last year, Gilmutdinov noted, also saying that it is relevant for indigenous peoples whose representatives have to prove their nationality in order to receive benefits provided by the relevant law . He also added that these benefits relate to hunting and fishing. Currently, representatives of indigenous nationalities often have to go to court, Gilmutdinov noted. According to him, a way out of this problem was found by forming a register of indigenous peoples, where, if desired, their representatives can be added. (in passports) column «nationality», it is necessary to very seriously argue (position), (report) what this will give the citizen. I believe that if necessary, we are ready to discuss this topic, although we have discussed it a lot before. If ours have colleagues who raise this topic, arguments about this,” Gilmutdinov said. At the same time, according to his personal point of view, a citizen who wants to register nationality in a passport should have such an opportunity, but serious arguments must be presented. In the passport, this column often comes from the desire of a citizen to be proud of his belonging to any ethnic group, as I understand it,» the politician added.
