On February 5, 2025, Russia launched the Registry of Controlled Persons, introducing stricter measures for foreign nationals violating migration laws. Managed by the MVD, this registry impacts employment, banking, and legal status.
Who Gets Listed?
Foreigners are added for:
- Overstaying visas/RVP/patents.
- Deportation orders or administrative expulsion.
- Illegal border crossing.
- Criminal convictions.
- Revoked residency permits.
Consequences:
- Blocked bank accounts (reported in VTB/T-Bank).
- Entry bans and deportation.
- Employer penalties (fines up to 1M RUB for illegal hires).
How to Check the Registry?
Verify employees via:
1. MVD’s official website (updated every 4 hours).
2. Gosuslugi portal (enter passport/visa details).
Appealing Inclusion
Challenge listings by:
- Legalizing status (e.g., renewing patents).
- Filing a court appeal.
- Proving erroneous inclusion to the MVD.
Employer Obligations
- Pre-hire checks for all foreign workers.
- Regular audits to avoid fines (up to 500K RUB for SMEs).
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Registry of Controlled Persons?
A federal MVD database listing foreigners violating migration laws. Public since February 2025.
2. How to check if a foreigner is listed?
Use the MVD website or Gosuslugi with passport details.
3. What happens if listed?
Account freezes, deportation, and entry bans.
4. Can banks block accounts?
Yes—VTB and T-Bank started blocking accounts on February 6, 2025.
5. How to appeal?
Submit evidence to MVD or sue.
6. Who risks inclusion?
Overstayers, deportees, or those with revoked documents.
7. How to remove a name?
Legalize status, leave Russia, or win a court case.
8. Must employers verify workers?
Yes—fines reach 1M RUB for non-compliance.
9. How often is the registry updated?
Every 4 hours.
10. What if an employee is listed?
Suspend their contract and assist with legalization.
11. Documents to check when hiring foreigners?
Patent, RVP/VNR, migration card, registration.
12. Can entry be denied due to the registry?
Yes, for prior deportations.
13. How to verify a patent’s validity?
Use the MVD’s online service.
14. Fines for illegal employment?
Up to 1M RUB for companies; 50K RUB for individuals.
Photo source: https://ru.123rf.com/
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
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