Foreign citizens arriving in the Russian Federation no can purchase SIM cards of Russian mobile operators only after being registered with the portal of Public Services with use of biometric data and visiting communication salons in person, Vedomosti reported on April 10.
These requirements are reportedly made to a bill drafted by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media.
The document has been submitted for consideration to the Interior Ministry, the Federal Security Service (FSB), Roskomnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media), and the Ministry of Economic Development. They must agree on the bill by April 15.
The document, in particular, notes that in case of refusal to provide biometric data, migrants will be deprived of the opportunity to use mobile communications in the territory of the Russian Federation.
These requirements will not apply to diplomats, representatives of international organizations and refugees.
Recall, media reports said in January this year that Russia is planning to make consular registration mandatory for citizens living abroad, and to collect biometric data from foreigners entering the country, as part of the creation of a “digital profile” as outlined in new migration policy.
RBC and Kommersant, in particular, outlined the action plan on a migration policy framework approved by the Russian Cabinet of Ministers and led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was noted that biometric data collection is required in generating digital profiles for both Russians living abroad – defined in the action plan as “citizens permanently residing outside of Russia,” a new legal category – and for foreigners arriving in Russia through capital airports. Russia’s government has imposed a December 10, 2024 deadline for the former, and given the same timeline to departments collaborating on the draft digital profile system for foreigners.
