Currently, 670,000 foreign migrants are staying illegally in Russia, Alexander Gorovoy, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, stated while speaking on the radio station Komsomolskaya Pravda.
He specified that more than half of these 670,000 are women and children. However, Gorovoy noted that they have until April 30, 2025, to contact relevant agencies and internal affairs authorities to resolve their legal status.
“After verification through our special records and assessing the absence of violations affecting public order, we will regulate the legal status of these foreign citizens. If not, they will be required to leave the country. From May 1 onwards, the opportunity to voluntarily go through all the necessary checks will no longer be available,” Gorovoy explained.
He also reminded that, starting February 5, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will launch a new register of controlled persons, which will include all foreign citizens staying in Russia illegally.
The deputy minister added that foreigners will be subject to verification before being employed, enrolling children in kindergartens or schools, registering property, or getting married or divorced.
According to Gorovoy, 9.5 million foreigners entered Russia in 2024—4.5% more than in 2023. More than 9.3 million left. At the beginning of 2025, 6.3 million foreign citizens were in Russia, marking a 5% increase compared to 2023. Of them, 80% are from CIS countries.
