Deportation Policies in Russia: What Expats and Migrants Should Know

Introduction

There are millions of Russia's expat and migrant worker population coming from other countries like former Soviet states, Asia, and Europe. Although the country offers plenty of opportunities for study, work, and business, it is equally strict when it comes to its immigration laws. Foreigners who break visa laws, commit offenses, or endanger national security may be deported—the legal procedure where one is made to leave Russia.

Knowing Russia's deportation policies, legal rights, and how to prevent removal is critical for expats and migrants residing in or considering relocation to the country. The article discusses the major reasons for deportation, the legal process, how to appeal a removal order, and how to remain legally in Russia.

 

1. What is Deportation in Russia?

A. Definition of Deportation

Deportation is the method by which the Russian government requests a foreigner to depart Russia because of infractions of the immigration laws or other legal reasons. A deportee can get re-entry restrictions from a few years to being banned for life.

B. Who Handles Deportation in Russia?

✔ Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) – Takes care of visa violations and residency permits.

✔ Federal Security Service (FSB) – Deals with national security cases.

✔ Federal Migration Service (FMS, recently merged with MVD) – Oversees migration policy.

✔ Courts – Provide legal rulings on deportation appeals.

These agencies patrol and enforce immigration regulations throughout Russia.

 

2. Key Reasons for Deportation from Russia

A. Overstaying a Visa

One of the most frequent grounds for deportation is visa overstaying.

✔ Work, tourist, and student visas should be renewed before expiration.

✔ Overstayers can be fined, detained, and banned for 3 to 10 years.

✔ Example: When an individual overstays for over 30 days, they are subject to immediate deportation.

 

B. Working Without a Valid Work Permit

✔ Foreigners require official work permits and labor contracts to legally work in Russia.

✔ Employers are required to sponsor work permits and enroll foreign employees.

✔ Illegal workers are deported and employers are fined.

✔ Example: Moscow officials make periodic workplace sweeps to uncover illegal workers.

 

C. Criminal Convictions

Russia has strict legislation on criminal behavior among foreigners.

✔ Crimes leading to deportation:

• Drug-related crimes.
• Bribery, fraud, or economic crime.
• Aggravated crimes (assault, robbery, or domestic violence).
• Cybercrimes or distribution of false information.
  ✔ Some foreigners are deported as soon as they have served a prison term.

 

D. National Security Risks

The FSB (Federal Security Service) sends abroad those who are a threat to national security.

✔ Reasons include:

• Participation in revolutionary or terrorist activities.
• Spying or acting against Russian interests.
• Taking part in anti-government demonstrations.

✔ Foreigners who participate in these activities can be permanently banned.

 

E. Violating Public Order & Morality Laws

Russia has tough social laws, and their violations can result in deportation.

✔ Actions that lead to deportation:

• Drinking or taking drugs in public.
• Involvement in illegal protests.
• LGBTQ+ activism where it is illegal.

✔ Example: Foreigners taking part in illegal political demonstrations have been deported previously.

 

F. Fake Documents & Fraudulent Activities

✔ Using forged visas, passports, or work permits results in instant deportation.

✔ Marriage fraud (phony marriages for immigration purposes) is also penalized by deportation.

✔ Example: Officials periodically verify foreign marriages as authentic.

 

3. The Deportation Process in Russia

A. Arrest and Investigation

✔ The police or the MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs) arrest individuals who are breaking immigration laws.

✔ Cases include deportation on the spot, and others need court hearings.

 

B. Court Hearings (If Applicable)

✔ Certain foreigners have the right to object to their deportation in court

✔ The judge examines the evidence and decides to approve or cancel the deportation.

✔ If deportation is upheld, authorities organize the person's removal.

 

C. Detention in Immigration Centers

✔ If deportation is delayed, the person may be placed in a migration detention center.

✔ Some migrants wait weeks or months before deportation is finalized.

✔ Example: The Sakharovo Detention Center near Moscow holds many deportees.

 

D. Deportation & Travel Ban

✔ The Russian government arranges deportation flights for foreign nationals.

✔ The individual receives a re-entry ban ranging from 3 years to life.

✔ Fingerprints and biometric data are stored to prevent re-entry.

 

4. How to Challenge Deportation in Russia

Some individuals have legal options to fight deportation orders.

A. Filing an Appeal in Court

✔ If deportation is ordered, the person has 10 days to appeal.

✔ A lawyer can argue against removal based on errors in the case.

✔ If successful, the court may overturn the deportation order.

 

B. Seeking Protection Based on Humanitarian Grounds

✔ Deportation can be stopped if the individual faces:

• Persecution in their home country.
• Serious health conditions requiring treatment in Russia.
• Family ties (Russian spouse or children).

✔ Special humanitarian visas may be granted in rare cases.

 

C. Applying for Political Asylum

✔ Foreigners at risk in their home country can apply for asylum in Russia.

✔ Successful applicants receive temporary protection and avoid deportation.

✔ Example: Edward Snowden was granted asylum in Russia to avoid extradition.

 

5. Can Deported Individuals Return to Russia?

✔ Temporary bans (3-10 years) for visa overstays and minor violations.

✔ Permanent bans for serious crimes and security threats.

✔ Some foreigners can apply for re-entry after deportation under special circumstances.

 

6. How Expats and Migrants Can Avoid Deportation

✔ Follow Visa & Work Permit Rules – Keep legal documents up to date.

✔ Respect Russian Laws – Avoid criminal activity and public disorder.

✔ Register with Authorities – Keep residency registration current.

✔ Stay Informed – Monitor changes in Russian immigration policies.

✔ Seek Legal Advice Early – If facing deportation, contact an immigration lawyer immediately.

 

7. Conclusion

Russia follows strict deportation laws under its immigration policies. Expats and migrant workers may be sent away for the following reasons: violation of their visas, unlawful employment, criminal offenses, or security issues. Deportation cases are handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and the courts, and certain persons have legally protectable rights against deportation.

Foreigners have to comply with visa policies, obey Russian laws, and obtain legal assistance in case of deportation. Through knowledge of deportation threats and rules of compliance, expats and immigrants can ensure their legal rights and remain in Russia without complications.

Declaration:

The details in this article are for general information only. We urge readers to make their own investigations and cross-check facts with official sources before making a decision. We do not make any guarantee as to the accuracy of the information, and we accept no responsibility for any outcome resulting from the use of the information.

 

References

1. Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) – www.mvd.ru
2. Federal Migration Service (FMS, now under MVD) – www.mvd.ru/migraciya
3. Russian Federation Code on Administrative Offenses – www.consultant.ru
4. Federal Security Service (FSB) – National Security Policies – www.fsb.ru
5. Russia’s State Duma – Immigration Laws and Amendments – www.duma.gov.ru