New migration laws coming into force in Russia in February

Several significant changes to Russian laws will come into effect starting February 1, 2025. One of the key legislative updates is the law regarding the expulsion of illegal migrants from Russia. 

This law, which aims to enhance national security, will be implemented on February 5. "The law providing for a regime of expulsion of illegal migrants will come into effect. This measure is aimed at improving security," the State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin announced in his Telegram channel, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Additionally, a new law will introduce administrative responsibility for violations related to entering or leaving the country, which will also come into effect on the same day, February 5.

Volodin further highlighted the indexation of social payments and insurance pensions, which will be increased by 9.5 per cent from February 1.

"The amount of maternity capital will also be indexed by the same figure. The maximum payment will now amount to Br912 thousand," Volodin added.

Moreover, from February 5, several other laws will take effect, including legislation aimed at providing mentoring for children in difficult life situations, the development of creative industries, and the conversion of confiscated property into the ownership of Russian Federation subjects.

In a related development, starting January 5, officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs will have the authority to independently decide on the administrative expulsion of foreign citizens and stateless individuals for specific offenses. Previously, such decisions were made by judges and border guards.

On December 30, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree requiring migrants illegally residing in Russia to either leave the country or legalize their status by April 30, 2025.

By Vafa Guliyeva