Amnesty declared for migrants subject to expulsion

Decree of the President of Russia dated December 30, 2024 No. 1126 "On temporary measures to regulate the legal status of certain categories of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Russia in connection with the application of the expulsion regime" (hereinafter referred to as the Decree) was published.

According to the Decree, foreign citizens included in the register of controlled persons can regulate their legal status without leaving Russia and without taking into account the declared purpose of entry into Russia before April 30, 2025, or independently leave the territory of Russia before April 30, 2025.

If these foreign citizens decide to stay in Russia, they can legalize their stay in Russia subject to the following conditions:

• undergo identification using previously provided biometric data, or provide such data;
• undergo a medical examination of foreign citizens;
• present a document on proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history and the basics of Russian legislation at the appropriate level (depending on the planned further basis for staying in Russia - for the level of a work permit or patent, or a temporary residence permit or residence permit);
• voluntarily pay off existing debts on mandatory payments;
• such citizens must not have grounds for refusal to issue a patent, work permit, temporary residence permit, residence permit or visa.

Applications with the relevant documents must be submitted to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs directly, or either through the PVS of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (in the regions) or the MMC (in Moscow) by the foreign citizens themselves, and in cases established by law (in case of legalization in Russia on the basis of labor or civil-law relations with the employer or customer) - by their employers.

If foreign citizens have the right to carry out labor activities in Russia without a patent or work permit, they must submit to the above-mentioned bodies an application for an extension of the period of temporary stay in Russia with a copy of the employment contract certified by the employer.

With respect to the specified citizens, decisions are not made to deny entry on the grounds provided for in subparagraph 8 of Article 26 or subparagraphs 12 - 14 of Article 27 of 114-FZ "On the procedure for leaving Russia and entering Russia", if the relevant violations arose before February 5, 2025.

If foreign citizens have entered into a contract to serve in the Russian Armed Forces, previously adopted decisions on deportation, readmission, refusal to enter, undesirability of stay (residence) and reduction of the period of temporary stay are terminated and are not subject to execution (with the exception of those who pose a threat to national security, participate in terrorist activities or otherwise infringe on public order and public safety in Russia, including participation in unauthorized pickets, meetings or rallies).

The decree entered into force on January 1, 2025.