News for foreign citizens living in or planning to visit Russia: The State Duma has approved two key bills in the first reading that significantly tighten migration control. Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin stated that these reforms aim to regulate the migration environment and ensure state security.
Criminal Record and Revocation of Status
Under the new regulations, strict restrictions will be imposed on foreigners who have committed any type of crime within or outside Russia and have an unexpunged criminal record.
Such individuals will be prohibited from obtaining Russian citizenship, regardless of the severity of the crime.
Furthermore, they will be unable to apply for a residence permit (VNJ) or a temporary residence permit (RVP).
If these documents were previously issued, the new law provides for their cancellation.
Grounds for Deportation Doubled
The second bill aims to expand the list of administrative offenses that serve as grounds for deportation. Previously, this list consisted of 22 articles, but it will now be increased to 43.
Deportation may now also occur for the following:
Discrediting the Russian army or calling for the imposition of sanctions against the country;
Displaying extremist or Nazi symbols and distributing prohibited materials;
Participating in unauthorized public protests and disobeying police officers;
Obstructing transport infrastructure and petty hooliganism;
Violating the state of emergency or martial law regime.
Why are these measures being taken?
The authors of the law explain these tightening measures by the rise in offenses among migrants. According to reports, nearly 72,000 foreign citizens were expelled from Russia in 2025 alone for various reasons.
These changes require our compatriots working and living in Russia to be more attentive to local legislation.
Do you think expanding the list of administrative offenses for deportation will help restore order?
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