Russia recently unveiled - via its TASS press agency - a bill to further limit and control the length of stay of foreign nationals on its territory.
The text includes strict measures such as the introduction of a 90-day stay limit per annual calendar for visitors, a biometric registration requirement for visitors entering the country, and the creation of a digital register of foreign employers and employees authorized to work.
New maximum stay for foreigners: 90 days per calendar year
Among the bill's main provisions is a reduction in the number of days a foreign national can stay in Russia during a calendar year. This figure has been reduced to 90 days per calendar year against 90 days over a six-month period. This measure concerns not only tourists, but also people coming for professional or family reasons.
Introduction of biometric identification for foreign nationals
Another new feature is the requirement for foreign nationals entering Russia to undergo a biometric registrationThis involves taking fingerprints and photographs. Data can be collected via a simplified procedure at Russian Interior Ministry offices abroad. The aim of this measure is to tighten border controls, while facilitating administrative procedures for visitors as soon as they enter the country.
Digital register of authorized foreign employers and employees
The bill also provides for setting up a digital register containing information on foreign employers and workers who meet the conditions required to work legally in Russia. Thanks to this system, Russian companies will be able to ensure the compliance of their foreign hires and thus limit the use of illegal labor.
Penalties for non-compliance
Those who do not comply with the new provisions of the text may be subject to a so-called "deferred payment" system.controlled stay". The latter could involve restrictions on their right to enter and stay in Russia, or even deportation if the competent authorities deem it necessary.
In addition, the persons concerned will also be required to sign a loyalty agreementIn the event of non-compliance, they are subject to sanctions. Infringements could result in fines, temporary bans on entry or deportation by the courts or competent authorities.
It should be noted that these new measures have not yet come into force, as the text still has to be submitted to the Russian Parliament for approval and adoption.
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