The head of Moscow's health department has resigned because he has a Swiss residency permit, Interfax reported.
Citing a source familiar with the situation, Interfax reported Tuesday that the resignation of Georgy Golukhov, who had headed the city's health department since 2012, was not related to his work but rather revolved around his family situation.
Golukhov's family reportedly resides in Switzerland and the official's Swiss residency permit puts him in violation of the new law forbidding Russians who have a second passport or a residency permit in another country from serving as civil servants. Media reports did not specify when Golukhov had received the Swiss residency permit.
In August, a law requiring Russian citizens who hold dual nationality to declare their second citizenship to the country's authorities came into force. Those who do not declare the existence of a second passport face a fine of up to 200,000 rubles ($5,000) and 400 hours of community service. The legislation also excludes those with dual citizenship from working in government organizations.
Russia's adoption of the law stems from the country's quest to "nationalize" its elites using measures to prevent authorities from fostering double allegiances.
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