The Russian Federation has announced significant changes to its immigration policy, particularly concerning foreign individuals who find themselves residing illegally within its borders. Starting February 5, 2025, these individuals will be subject to expulsion measures, as outlined by the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD).
According to the MVD, this new regime, termed expulsion measures, is aimed at tightening federal control over migration and addresses the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Under these new regulations, foreign citizens found to be unlawfully present will be entered onto a registry of controlled individuals, which imposes several restrictions on their rights and freedoms. This includes prohibiting movements beyond their registered locality without approval from the MVD.
The circumstances under which foreigners will be included on this registry are outlined clearly by regional officials. They include the expiration of their registration documentations, such as temporary residence permits or work permits, and any deportation orders stemming from criminal convictions. This new list aims to track individuals more effectively and swiftly process their deportation.
The repercussions for those listed are severe. They will be unable to change their residence without permission, cannot leave the region where they are registered, and face restrictions on various activities, such as purchasing property or opening bank accounts. The policy also states certain limitations on the education of minors found unlawfully residing, effectively preventing their enrollment in schools and kindergartens.
Irina Volk, the official spokesperson of the MVD, detailed the operational aspect of this initiative, stating, "The authorities will check the presence of information about foreign citizens in the registry, allowing employers and interested parties to verify their status via the MVD's official portal." The portal, which updates every four hours, will be accessible to the public, which can input personal details to determine if individuals are registered as controlled.
This development is underscored by recent discussions led by regional leaders, including Magomed Magomedov, who heads the MVD migration department, and noted the need for these measures to comply with changing legislations concerning foreign nationals. During meetings with local business representatives, the necessity for these changes was emphasized, reflecting growing concerns about illegal immigration among various stakeholders.
On February 6, 2025, the MVD announced they had conducted over 62,000 checks within 24 hours of launching the new registry system. From this extensive check, it was revealed over 7,000 individuals were confirmed to be on the registry of controlled individuals. This swift action not only sets the tone for future searching enforcement efforts but also highlights the urgency of the government's stance on illegal residency.
Magomed Magomedov affirmed, "Foreigners are required to leave Russia or regularize their status from January 1 to April 30, 2025." This directive aims to provide individuals ample time to either conform to the legal prerequisites for remaining within the country or prepare for their departure back to their home nations.
The changes are indicative of a broader trend within Russia to strengthen border control and manage illegal immigration actively. With different laws being introduced, regions are expected to cooperate with the MVD to enforce these measures rigorously.
Overall, these upcoming immigration controls and regulations signify the Russian government's stricter approach toward immigration affairs and clearly dictate the rights and limitations imposed on foreign citizens within its borders. Foreign nationals within Russia must now navigate these requirements or risk losing their freedom of movement and facing deportation.