2.3. Access to identity documentation

The 2023 amendment to the Belarusian citizenship law permits the revocation of citizenship of Belarusians living abroad if they have been charged with extremism.280 Moreover, passport renewal procedures are not available at Belarusian embassies or consulates abroad, requiring individuals to return to Belarus to renew their identity documents.281

For those who left Belarus for political reasons, the expiration of their passports effectively results in the denial of renewal of identity documents, restrictions on international travel, and significant obstacles in legalising their status in their counties of residence,282 which in the long-term may lead to ‘the loss of evidence of citizenship’ and ‘potentially to statelessness.’283 According to a human rights specialist, individuals who stayed abroad for a long time reportedly fear returning to Belarus to renew their passports,284 as doing so may expose them to border checks, device searches, and possible prosecution.285

The authorities have invalidated the passports of individuals who were detained on political grounds and ‘forcibly expelled’ from Belarus after being pardoned and released from prison in 2025 and 2026. As a result, ‘these individuals face significant legal and practical consequences’, as they cannot return to Belarus and are separated from their families and face barriers ‘to accessing legal status, employment, healthcare, and essential services’ in the countries of their stay, as well as increased risks of statelessness and long-term legal uncertainty.286