Over 30,000 Foreigners Deported from Russia

Since the beginning of this year, more than 30,000 foreign nationals have been deported from Russia, as reported by Irina Volk, an official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“In total, since the start of the year, over 30,000 foreign citizens have been deported, which is almost twice as many as last year. The police have also blocked the entry of 100,000 foreigners, which is a 55% increase compared to one year ago,” said Volk.

As a result of the first phase of the "Nelegal-2024" operation, approximately 9,000 foreign nationals were deported from Russia. Furthermore, more than 11,000 foreign citizens refused to enter Russia.

Over 6,000 employers have been subjected to administrative liability for illegally involving foreigners in work activities. About 2,000 criminal cases have been initiated related to organizing illegal migration and falsifying migration registration.

More than 150 individuals who were on wanted lists have been identified. As a result of comprehensive measures, there has been a decrease in the number of foreign nationals involved in criminal activities, stateless persons, and crimes committed by foreign citizens. In 2023, there was a 3% reduction in crime compared to 2022, and a 5% reduction in the first five months of this year. The number of particularly serious crimes committed by foreigners has decreased by over 21%.

On June 17, Russian Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev stated that 54% of compatriots applying for the voluntary resettlement support program in Russia from January to May 2024 could not confirm their knowledge of the Russian language.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the development of new approaches to migration policy. The minister noted that the priority is to prevent illegal migration. Starting from January 1, 2024, to participate in the program, compatriots must confirm their knowledge of the Russian language at levels necessary for verbal and written communication.

As of May 1 of this year, over 2,500 interviews have been conducted to assess applicants’ language proficiency. Approximately 4,000 people have been unable to take advantage of the program's mechanisms for relocating to Russia and acquiring citizenship.