A migration regime for the deportation of foreign citizens or stateless persons illegally residing in Russia will come into effect on March 5, 2025, when the corresponding law comes into force, TASS reported on January 2.

According to the legislation, foreign violators will face restrictions on certain rights and freedoms, along with federal government oversight measures in the field of migration. The deportation regime will apply to a foreign citizen from the day their information is added to the registry of monitored individuals.

Registry of monitored individuals

Monitored individuals will be subject to several obligations. In particular, they must inform the territorial offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) about their whereabouts and any circumstances preventing their timely voluntary departure from Russia.

In cases of repeated failure to fulfill these obligations, a decision may be made to place the individual in a special facility and deport them. Upon request by a foreigner placed in such a facility, their relatives, workplace or educational institution administration, legal counsel, and diplomatic or consular representatives of their home country will be promptly notified of their location.

Restrictive measures

Monitored individuals will face a range of restrictive measures. Specifically, such foreigners will be prohibited from:

·         Registering a legal entity,

·         Becoming self-employed,

·         Purchasing vehicles or real estate,

·         Registering a car or property ownership rights,

·         Driving vehicles,

·         Opening a bank account or conducting certain banking operations.

Additionally, monitored individuals will be barred from entering into marriage.

According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the introduction of the registry of monitored individuals will strengthen migration control and minimize illegal migration. Information on whether a foreign citizen is included in the registry will be published on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and provided free of charge.

How to Avoid Being Included in the Registry

To avoid being added to the registry of monitored individuals, foreign nationals currently in or planning to enter Russia should undergo a one-time mandatory fingerprint registration and photograph procedure. It is also recommended to apply for and extend migration documents in advance.

Additionally, they should monitor the validity of work permits and pay any advance fees on time, as well as notify the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs about their actual place of residence and employment promptly.

According to some sources, at least 1 million Tajik migrants work in Russia, many of them rely on unofficial agreements and are exploited and abused.