Strengthening of Migration Legislation in Russia: New Regulations for Migrants

The State Duma has approved a bill in the second and third readings, proposed by a group of deputies from all factions of the Duma, which establishes a new migration regime for the deportation of foreigners. An additional law has also been adopted granting the police the authority to make decisions regarding the administrative deportation of foreign citizens and stateless persons from Russia's borders. A register of deported individuals is also set to be established.

"There is a need for strict control in the migration sector. Those who do not adhere to Russian laws and who have lost their right to be legally present in Russia should not be in our country. Those who do not follow Russian laws must not be in our country," said Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma.

The new deportation regime will apply to migrants whose documents have expired or been declared invalid, or who have committed violations," Volodin added.

With the new regulations, deportation by police will not exceed 48 hours unless a court decides otherwise. The temporary stay of migrants in Russia will also be reduced. According to the changes, migrants are allowed to remain in the country for no more than 90 days within a year. Foreign citizens subject to deportation will appear in a special register.

They will be prohibited from:

• Changing their place of residence or staying in Russia without the Ministry of Internal Affairs' permission;
• Traveling outside their place of residence;
• Driving vehicles or obtaining a driver's license;
• Acquiring or disposing of real estate, vehicles, and self-propelled machinery, registering this property with state bodies;
• Getting married;
• Opening bank accounts, transferring money, and managing funds in accounts.

The State Duma is currently discussing 25 draft laws aimed at improving migration legislation. The proposed initiatives also include strengthening criminal liability for organizers of illegal migration.