Turković and Zadić: Will Austria allow dual citizenship for BiH citizens?

(Patria) - BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turković held a meeting in Vienna with the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Austria, Alma Zadić, where they discussed citizenship for BiH citizens, the migrant crisis, and the rule of law.

It was stated at the meeting that about 160,000 citizens of BiH origin live in Austria, and that almost half of them had to give up their BiH citizenship when obtaining Austrian citizenship.

Minister Turković asked Minister Zadić to investigate whether there are possible options for preserving the right to dual citizenship for Bosnians and Herzegovinians living in Austria, and what the legal possibilities are on this issue.

This issue is extremely important, stressed Turković, due to preserving ties with the homeland, but also due to complications regarding property, inheritance, and taxes. She added that she believes other countries of the former Yugoslavia share the same opinion.

Zadić said that she fully understands the situation, and that many people do not want to give up their original citizenship because they want to be included in the processes in their home country. She promised to forward these issues to the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs. She believes that this issue requires a larger reform, and if it happens, it cannot be done for just one country. She added that she will examine the mood in the Austrian government on this issue.

Minister Turković spoke about the current difficult situation in our country, which is affected by a large influx of migrants, and added that BiH needs help in dealing with such situations. BiH authorities, she emphasized, are open to all suggestions and recommendations, and agreements on the return of migrants to their home countries are currently being signed.

Minister Zadić said that she is closely following this situation and is aware of the situation in Bihać. She has raised this issue with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is in constant talks with coalition partners, and is making efforts to resolve this issue.

The ministers also discussed the rule of law, specifically the possibilities and solutions that would help local institutions in BiH to tighten rules regarding the fight against corruption and crime.

Turković expressed her wish that, if possible, a person from the Austrian Ministry of Justice come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for knowledge and experience transfer. Minister Zadić supported the proposal and stated that a person from the Ministry of Justice is already in Belgrade, with the aim of encouraging exchange and strengthening regional ties. She added that the Austrian side is exploring possibilities for establishing other cooperation points in the countries of Southeast Europe, and if more EU countries wish to join, then a joint action on this issue could be devised.