Russian Duma speaker announces stricter laws targeting "foreign agents", migrants

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has announced a set of new laws coming into effect in November, signalling stricter oversight for migrants and individuals designated as “foreign agents.” He shared the information on the MAX messenger platform.

According to Volodin, starting in November, Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office will gain the authority to submit materials to foreign states to hold Russian citizens abroad accountable for their actions. This measure is intended to extend legal responsibility beyond Russia’s borders.

Volodin also emphasised that penalties for "foreign agents" will be significantly increased. Individuals who repeatedly violate the law could now face up to two years of imprisonment. 

“Those who have betrayed our country and, while abroad, are trying to destroy it, must be held fully accountable under the law,” Volodin stated. 

The Duma speaker further announced that the registration period for foreign citizens in Moscow and the Moscow region is coming to an end. Volodin described this measure as a way to enhance law enforcement oversight and public safety.

“Digital registration is not just a bureaucratic procedure — it is a security tool. If the experiment meets expectations, the mechanism will be extended to other regions,” he said.

The legislation also introduces stricter rules for mobile operators. Operators are now prohibited from servicing subscriber numbers whose user information has not been verified. The new rules also limit the number of SIM cards per individual to no more than 20.

By Tamilla Hasanova