Russian President Vladimir Putin has permitted foreign nationals, whose permission to stay in Russia has expired, to stay in Russia until September 15, 2020, according to Fergana news agency.  Earlier, this term was set on March 15 for the period until June 15 due the coronavirus crisis.  

Fergana news agency says foreign nationals do not have to extend their expiring registration terms as well as residence permits and visas until September 15, but labor migrants now oblige again to get a patent for work and pay for it.  

Citing a source within the law enforcement authorities, TASS news agency reported yesterday that foreign citizens whose permission to stay in Russia has expired during the coronavirus quarantine, will be able to apply to the Interior Ministry for an extension starting June 15.

“Foreigners whose documents to stay in Russia have expired during the coronavirus quarantine will be able to start paperwork on June 15 by contacting the migration departments of the Interior Ministry,” TASS source said.

Earlier it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on temporary measures to regulate the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Russia in connection with the threat of the spread of a new coronavirus infection.

According to the document, the period of temporary stay, temporary or permanent residence for foreign citizens with whom it expired starting March 15 to June 15, 2020, was suspended.  According to the document, during these three months, foreigners did not have to renew documents on temporary stay in Russia, including visa extensions, registration deadlines at the place of stay, temporary and permanent residence, including the extension of a residence permit, according to TASS.

Recall, thousands have been stuck in Russia due to the travel restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic.  Starting in mid-March 2020, the Russian authorities gradually shut down Russia’s borders, with each consecutive government decision announced on short notice.  They gradually introduced public measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 within the country, starting with isolating people returning from abroad and then introducing surveillance measures to ensure that people observe quarantine.