Would this be deception - would this be a grave sin?

[vesnianka]

For some reason, I cannot discern if this would be a sin or not. Please advise…

I got married mid-May (yay!) and am living in Ukraine. Around the same time, the government passed a legal resolution saying that all foreigners without permanent residency or a working permit must live in Ukraine for 90 days, out of a 180 day period. My 90 days are up soon and I have to return to the US for 90 days and after which, I could return for another 90 days. If so, I would have to leave July 30 and return in early November…

In one case scenario, this would have to go on for two years, until I am allowed to apply for permanent residency and a work permit. According to the Ukrainian government, there is no temporary residencies for immigrants, based on marriage unline in the US.

My question is, could I change my name and passport and re-enter Ukraine before I, (the little blondie who lives at X address in metro Detroit) am technically supposed to return, since the passport has a new name and new number? The case would still be, that whenever I return (either earlier or at the real date of required entry) I would only be allowed to live in Ukraine for another 90 days.

While I am back in Ukraine under the new name, it’s possible that I’d be able to then apply for another kind of long term visa, specially for “Ukrainian diaspora”, which I could get within 3 or 4 months, and not even wait the two years to get the permanent residency.

I think I’m leaning towards the fact this “sneekiness” is a sin. But I do want my name changed but my passport will be new as if I am a whole new identity…

Please advise…

 

[Catholic90]

travel.state.gov/passport/fri/ChangeName/ChangeName_851.html

You would NOT be a whole new identity. You would be the same person, just with a name change.

Sure, they may not catch it immediately, but just how favorably do you think the officials will look upon you once they catch you?

Personally, I would never do it. It is deceitful and lying. Go the legal route.

 

[vesnianka]

Thanks so much - I really appreciate your honesty. After living here, in this extremely corrupt country for a while, things and perceptions get blurred. Even foreigners get caught up in getting around the system because they can. It’s crazy here. I am ashamed I even thought of this. Thanks for the truth, that I knew deep down…

 

[vesnianka]

Sure, they may not catch it immediately, but just how favorably do you think the officials will look upon you once they catch you?

HA! They’d want a bribe - EVERYBODY wants a bribe in this country. It’s so ingrained that it is openly a shocker when someone doesn’t and won’t bribe. One the few who are honest get really kicked in the pants, and hard! But, that’s what taking up the cross and walking with Christ is all about.

Many thanks again.