Update on migration issues in Russia in relation to COVID-19

On 19 March 2020, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a clarification* stating it will prolong the following:

• visas of foreign nationals who are currently in Russia;
• the duration of the allowed stay of foreign nationals who are in Russia under a visa-free regime; and
• the term of expired temporary and permanent residence permits of foreign nationals.

To prolong their migration documents, foreign nationals should file an application with the nearest territorial division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and state the grounds for their request to have their documents prolonged.

Foreign nationals will be able to prolong their visas and the permitted duration of their stay for up to 90 days irrespective of the type of visa and the purpose of entry.

The Ministry will prolong visas and the permitted duration of stay even for foreign nationals whose visas or permitted terms of stay have already expired.

Moreover, the Ministry will resume accepting applications, processing and issuing work permits to foreign nationals who are currently staying in Russia.

Immediate recommendations

Foreign nationals whose visas or the permitted duration of their stay have expired or will expire soon should immediately apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for prolongation of the above if they plan to remain in Russia.

We also recommend that employers take necessary steps as soon as possible to prolong expiring work permits for employees who are currently in Russia.

This eAlert was prepared by Christophe Huet, Ekaterina Elekchyan, Irina Shurmina and Daria Dzhafarova, our team of specialists specifically dedicated to following legal developments and new restrictions related to COVID-19. They prepare daily on-stream summaries on any related legal acts that are sent to our local clients and their head offices.

If you have any questions on the above or wish to be informed about our on-stream summaries on the legal measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 epidemic in Russia, contact our local CMS experts Christophe Huet, Ekaterina Elekchyan, Irina Shurmina or your regular CMS advisor.

* In Russian