Russia raises government fees for migrants

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law significantly increasing government fees for foreign nationals applying for residency and work-related documents, according to the official legal information portal.

Under the new legislation, several administrative fees for migrants will rise sharply. The cost of obtaining a Russian passport will increase from 4,200 rubles (about $45) to 50,000 rubles (about $540), Caliber.Az reports. 

The fee for a temporary residence permit will rise from 1,920 rubles (about $21) to 15,000 rubles (about $160), while the cost of a residence permit will increase from 6,000 rubles (about $65) to 30,000 rubles (about $325).

The law also introduces a new fee of 15,000 rubles (about $160) for employers hiring foreign workers.

At the same time, the legislation includes exemptions for certain groups. These include former citizens of the Soviet Union and their family members participating in a voluntary resettlement programme, as well as foreign nationals who have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence.

By Sabina Mammadli