It's safe to say that relations between the UK and Russia are somewhat strained the the moment, due mainly to the attempted murder of a former Russian double agent and his daughter on British soil.
It seems that one result of this incident is that the UK is reviewing their policy on visas for Russian oligarchs, mainly Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Abramovich's visa is taking "longer than usual" to be renewed and both the British government and Abramovich have declined to comment on the impasse. The British authorities are said to want the oligarch to open up his books in order to prove his UK-held wealth is legitimate in order to grant him another visa.
But it seems that the 51-year-old has found a way around his little problem by moving to Israel, according to reports in the country, with The Times of Israel stating that Israel’s interior ministry confirmed the development on Monday.
According to the Ynet website, which belongs to Israeli news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth, Abramovich traveled to Tel Aviv on Monday and received documents that confirmed his status as an Israeli citizen. He has also reportedly bought a property in the city.
Israel grants citizenship to any Jew who wishes to move there, and passports can be issued immediately. Israeli passport holders can enter Britain without a visa for short stays, which would mean that Abramovich would be able to visit England, though he will still need a visa to work there.
Abramovich has been a regular visitor to Israel and is reported to have bought a former hotel in Tel Aviv, close to the Mediterranean coast.
With the confirmation of his citizenship, the Russian has become the richest man in Israel.
