Russia May Tighten Entry Requirements for Foreigners

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is proposing that foreigners entering the country be required to sign an "agreement of loyalty," a document that prohibits criticism of Russia's state policies. This was reported by TASS, citing the draft legislation.

According to the draft, the agreement of loyalty is an official permission from the state bodies of the Russian Federation for a foreign citizen to enter Russia, on one hand, and the foreign citizen's consent, expressed through entry into the Russian Federation, to comply with the restrictions established to protect Russia's national interests, on the other hand.

The proposed restrictions for foreigners also include motives related to the adoption, amendment, or abolition of laws, as well as negligent treatment toward Russia's environment, natural resources, and cultural values. Earlier, public figures had called for the recruitment of migrants in taxis while Russians remain in their homes.