On February 5, 2025, Russia commenced operations of its newly established "Registry of Controlled Individuals," intended to monitor foreign nationals unlawfully residing within its borders. Created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), the registry has been integrated with systems used by other government agencies and can be accessed by employers and educational institutions, allowing them to verify the legal status of foreigners.
According to reports, foreign citizens can be registered under ten specific circumstances, which include the expiration or cancellation of residency documents, illegal border crossings, criminal convictions, and refusal of refugee status. The registration process is straightforward: individuals can be checked via the MVD's official website or through the unified state services portal. Users must input the foreigner’s full name, date of birth, document details, and more.
The implementation of this registry significantly alters the approach to migration control within Russia. Alexander Rechitsky, Chief of Police for the Krasnoyarsk region, noted, "Since February 5, 2025, foreigners illegally residing on Russian territory will be subjected to expulsion regimes, establishing limitations on certain rights and freedoms." This includes restrictions on marriage registration, enrolling children in schools, obtaining driver's licenses, and accessing other everyday services.
The introduction of the registry follows alarming reports of criminal activity associated with some foreign nationals. The head of the Russian Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, expressed concerns about the rising levels of extremism and criminal acts perpetrated by migrants. He stated, "The number of extremist crimes committed by foreigners has been increasing, with 253 terrorist-related offenses reported last year alone." Such statements have intensified the government's focus on regulating immigration and handling incidents related to foreign residents.
With over 640,000 individuals currently documented as violating immigration regulations, the Russian government aims to employ stricter measures against illegal residents. Rechitsky revealed plans to expedite the processes related to the expulsion of these individuals and reiterated the commitment to utilizing various governmental entities to enforce immigration laws actively.
This new immigration measure reflects the government's push for tighter control over its borders and the status of foreign nationals within the country. By broadening the measures employed against illegal immigrants and improving the data collection methods, the Russian authorities hope to reduce crime rates and maintain public safety.
Employers and other organizations now have the power to obtain real-time information about the legal status of foreign workers, which could lead to stricter hiring practices and compliance with Russian labor laws. Reports indicate the registry will be updated four times daily, ensuring the data remains current and accessible.
While the intentions behind the registry might be to bolster national security and public safety, it raises significant concerns about human rights and the livelihoods of many foreign nationals residing illegally. Critics argue this could result in discrimination and increased stigmatization of immigrants, potentially leading to social unrest and tensions within communities affected by such policies.
Overall, the initiation of Russia's "Registry of Controlled Individuals" marks a transformative moment in the country’s immigration policies, introducing increased scrutiny and control over foreign nationals. It reflects broader global trends toward stricter immigration regulation, sparked by concerns related to national security, crime, and social cohesion.