Morocco grants citizenship to UFC fighters Ismail and Islam Naurdiev

In an exceptional move, Morocco has granted citizenship to brothers Ismail and Islam Naurdiev, renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters. Born in Grozny, Russia, the two athletes were awarded Moroccan citizenship through royal decrees published in the Official Bulletin on November 3, 2024.

This decision lifts certain restrictions outlined in Article 17 of the Moroccan Nationality Code, which typically apply to newly naturalized citizens during their first five years. These restrictions include holding public office, exercising an elective mandate, and voting.

Under Moroccan law, citizenship can be acquired through descent, naturalization, marriage, or declaration. However, in exceptional cases, the sovereign can grant citizenship through a royal decree, as was done in the case of the Naurdiev brothers.