The procedure for recognizing foreigners as native Russian speakers is no longer provided for in the legislation. Preferences previously granted to those with this status have been canceled, according to a law passed by the State Duma on December 11, writes Parlamentskaya Gazeta.
Specifically, the law removes the provision that allowed a foreign citizen to be recognized as a native Russian speaker as grounds for obtaining a visa for temporary residence or a residence permit.
However, foreign citizens can still confirm their proficiency in Russian, knowledge of Russian history, and familiarity with the basics of Russian law with a document such as the decision to recognize them as a native Russian speaker, issued before October 26, 2023, by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs or its territorial body.
The right to simplified citizenship acquisition remains for those with direct ancestors who lived permanently in the territory of the Russian Empire or the USSR (within the current state borders of the Russian Federation).
This refers to potential Russian speakers under the "blood principle." According to the proposed rules, this category of applicants will be granted residence permits in a simplified manner.
Qualified specialists will also be able to obtain residence permits without applying for temporary residence permits, but they must have worked in Russia continuously for one year, rather than six months as previously required, in a specific profession or field.
Additionally, the document states that foreign nationals listed in the registry of controlled individuals are not allowed to register as individual entrepreneurs.
