Many Drivers Could Face Entry Ban to Russia at Any Time

Since the tightening of migration legislation in Russia after September, a situation has arisen that, according to experts, could severely damage the freight transport system of EAEU countries. This was stated in an interview with Armenpress by Tatevik Bezhanian, an expert on the migration program of the Armenian Caritas organization.

“As of Friday, I have already received 74 applications, of which 13 or 14 are related to the application of entry bans. The entry ban is imposed for a period of five years when it is documented that the person has not been in the Russian Federation for more than the allowable 180 days,” Bezhanian said.

According to her, this is not only a legal violation but also a serious economic threat. “Many drivers have found themselves in the registry of controlled persons, and their bank accounts have been frozen. This means they can receive an entry ban at any time for a period of three to ten years. If this continues, our freight transport companies will soon be unable to operate,” she emphasized.

Bezhanian stated that the issue needs to be resolved at a systemic level. “Within the framework of the EAEU, it should be clearly stated that those conducting freight transport should not fall under the influence of this law. An exemption should be made for them in the legislative provisions, as has been done in other countries. For instance, the experience of France shows that in such situations, an amnesty can be declared, and entry bans can be lifted for those previously affected,” she noted.

The expert pointed out that there are also concerns within Russia, especially within the economic block. “The power structures in Russia continue to tighten migration rules without assessing the economic consequences. But this situation could hit their own trade networks and supply chains, as the restrictions are mutual—affecting the freight being sent to both Armenia and Russia,” the expert said.

Bezhanian is confident that the issue has already been raised at the level of EAEU countries, including in EAEU commissions. “I know that the issue has also been discussed in EAEU commissions. If there is political will, Russia can swiftly change the law. There have been cases when the law has passed through the Duma in two or three readings in a single day,” Bezhanian added.

According to the expert, currently, the discussion is only about freight carriers, but in the near future, the problem could extend to passenger transport companies as well. “On September 10, the presidential decree expired, and if this continues, the same issue may soon pertain to workers in other sectors,” Tatevik Bezhanian stated.