In report released at a press conference in Dushanbe, Valentian Kazakova, the Chairwoman of the Directorate for Migration Issues at the Interior Ministry of the Russian Federation, noted on April 21 that nationals of Tajikistan have an opportunity to regulate their legal status in the territory of Russia from April 1 to June 30, inclusive.
She called on Tajik nationals being in Russia and their relatives to use this opportunity to register and obtain a work permit.
“I repeat once again that government’s order # 635 clearly states that that there is a period of 90 days after the reopening of air traffic, that is, from April 1 to June 30 inclusive. [Russian] president’s decree itself extends the residence status of foreign citizens living in Russia until June 15, but the government’s decree specifies the mechanism. Therefore, there is a time till June 30 and we discussed this issue with the authorized bodies of Tajikistan. We interact point-wise on all problematic issues facing Tajik nationals in territory of Russia during paperwork,” Kazakova noted.
Negotiations to discuss issues related to Tajikistan-Russia migration collaboration took place in Dushanbe on April 19. Representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of the two countries attended the event.
Co-chaired by Tajik Deputy Minister of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population Shahnoza Nodiri and Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Rudenko, the negotiations were reportedly focused on the state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia in the field of migration.
The two sides discussed issues requiring immediate solution, the Tajik MFA information department noted. They reportedly also exchanged views on a number of draft documents pending consideration by the parties. The negotiations ended with signing of a protocol.
According to the Russia Interior Ministry, 247,000 illegal migrants from Tajikistan currently reside in Russia.
A moratorium on the expulsion of illegal immigrants, introduced in Russia because of the pandemic, is effective until June 15. Until that date, illegal immigrants can freely leave Russia and not receive penalties.
Recall, Russian President Vladimir Putin in mid-December extended the residence status of foreign citizens living in Russia until June 15, 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic. This covered migrants from the CIS member nations living in Russia without proper documentation.
Russia is experiencing a labor shortage due to pandemic-related border closures and is looking to simplify entry requirements for migrant workers in industries like construction and agriculture. More than a year since the start of the pandemic, only a handful of countries' citizens are permitted to enter Russia.
