Moscow witnesses surge in migrant expulsions amid heightened security concerns

Amidst heightened security concerns, Moscow has witnessed a significant expulsion of migrants, with more than 40,000 foreigners removed from the city in 2023.

Oleg Baranov, the head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow, disclosed this information, highlighting the robust enforcement of migration laws in the Russian capital, Caliber.Az reports citing Interfax.

According to Baranov, the Moscow courts issued approximately 42,000 decisions for the expulsion of foreign citizens and stateless persons from Russia last year. Additionally, the ministry's department halted 158,000 violations of entry or stay rules within the country, indicating a firm stance against non-compliance with migration regulations.

“The judicial authorities have made about 42,000 decisions on the expulsion of foreign citizens and stateless persons from the Russian Federation. About 11,500 foreigners were placed in the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia,” Oleg Baranov told Interfax at a meeting in the Moscow City Duma.

Baranov noted that over 2 million foreigners were registered in Moscow in 2023. However, the police identified a staggering 224,000 violations in migration legislation during the same period, underscoring the challenges posed by migration management.

Following a terrorist attack near Moscow's Crocus City Hall, the leaders of State Duma factions have recommended a review of legal norms pertaining to migration legislation. To address this, a special working group will be established within the lower house of parliament, signalling a proactive approach to bolstering security measures.

In a separate incident, a 48-year-old resident of the Kemerovo region was detained by police at St. Petersburg airport for deliberately providing false information regarding a colleague's possession of dangerous items in their hand luggage.

Despite no suspicious items being found upon inspection, a criminal case was initiated against the individual under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for knowingly making a false report about an act of terrorism.

“As a result of the inspection, no suspicious items were found. The investigation of the linear department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at Pulkovo Airport opened a criminal case against the attacker under Part 2 of Art. 207 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (knowingly false report about an act of terrorism),” the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Transport in the Northwestern Federal District told TASS.

The suspect has been subjected to preventive measures, highlighting the stringent measures taken by law enforcement agencies to deter false reporting and ensure public safety.