It has been prohibited to grant Russian citizenship or the right to reside in Russia to migrants with criminal records.
“Elchi” reports, citing Russian media, that the country’s President Vladimir Putin has signed a law to this effect.
According to the law, if foreigners have an unexpunged or unpaid criminal record for any crime, their application for citizenship, as well as for a residence permit or temporary residence permit, will be denied.
Under existing regulations, citizenship is denied if foreigners have a criminal record for intentionally committed crimes. A residence permit or temporary residence permit is currently denied only to those with a criminal record for serious or especially serious crimes. The new law provides for the denial of citizenship, residence permits, or temporary residence permits in the event of any unexpunged or unpaid criminal record for any crime. If documents have already been issued, they will be revoked if an unpaid criminal record is discovered.
In addition, the document notes that the new norms will not apply to foreigners who have been granted political asylum in Russia or to refugees.
the law introduces new requirements when applying for a residence permit or temporary residence permit. Migrants will be required to submit a paper document that either confirms the absence of a criminal record or contains information about the crimes for which the applicants were convicted.
The document will enter into force 180 days after the moment of its publication.