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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Russia has passed a bill to simplify the application procedure for Permanent Residence Permits (PRP) and to clarify the process for obtaining the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP).
Pending changes:
The following foreign citizens can apply directly for a PRP with a three-year validity:
Analysis & Comments: The changes will simplify the process for obtaining a PRP for eligible nationals and further clarify processing of TRPs. While the bill has been passed, it will not come into effect until Nov. 1.
Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
Russian officials have announced the countries whose nationals will be eligible for e-visas when traveling to St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region beginning Oct. 1. Nationals of the following countries will be able to apply for single-entry e-visas for business, tourism or humanitarian visits.
Additional information: E-visas for those traveling to St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region will be valid for 30 calendar days with an eight-day limit on a visitor’s duration of stay. No fees will be assessed for e-visa issuance. The St. Petersburg-Leningrad program will be launched ahead of a nationwide e-visa program expected to take effect Jan. 1 and following the implementation of the Kaliningrad e-visa program earlier this year.
Analysis & Comments: The e-visa program will ease business, tourist and humanitarian travel for eligible foreign nationals visiting St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. More information on the nationwide e-visa program is expected in the coming weeks and months.
Source: Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
Reports on the salaries paid to highly qualified specialists during the third quarter of 2019 (July through September) must be submitted in October. The reports, which employers must complete to show that they have met minimum salary payment levels, are required quarterly.
Analysis & Comments: Companies should ensure that they submit their quarterly reports on time and that the salaries comply with wage thresholds for HQS workers.
What is the change? Russia now requires all foreign nationals to be immunized against measles when working in the country.
What does the change mean? Companies should ensure that all current foreign workers are immunized by Dec. 31, and that all new hires are immunized thereafter.
Additional information: Foreign nationals who have had the measles before or suffer from a measles immunization allergy will not be required to obtain the immunization. Immunization records must be issued in Russia. If the immunization record was issued abroad, it may be possible to have it verified with an authorized clinic in Russia.
Analysis & Comments: To be compliant with the new law, companies should ensure that all foreign nationals have confirmation of immunization against measles before Dec. 31.
What is the change? Russia will soon begin issuing e-visas to eligible foreign nationals traveling to St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.
What does the change mean? Beginning Oct. 1, eligible foreign nationals will be able to apply for single-entry e-visas for business, tourism or humanitarian visits. The visas will be valid for 30 calendar days with an eight-day limit on a visitor’s duration of stay. No fees will be assessed for e-visa issuance. Authorities have not yet established which nationalities will be eligible for e-visas, but the list of countries will likely be similar to the list of 53 countries for an e-visa program launched earlier this year in Kaliningrad.
Additional information: The St. Petersburg-Leningrad program will be launched ahead of a nationwide e-visa program expected to take effect Jan. 1 and following the implementation of the Kaliningrad e-visa program. The is available to nationals of 53 countries, including most EU countries but not the United Kingdom or the United States.
Analysis & Comments: The e-visa program will ease business, tourist and humanitarian travel for eligible foreign nationals visiting St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. Authorities have not yet said which nationals will be eligible, and Deloitte will provide more information as it becomes available.
What is the change? The Ministry of Interior’s immigration department is more strictly scrutinizing and penalizing companies employing foreign nationals through third-party staffing agencies.
What does the change mean? Companies outsourcing employees through third-party staffing agencies are at risk of violating the rules for employing foreign nationals. While some companies resort to the services of staffing agencies, employment of foreign nationals without a direct (local) employment contract and applicable permission documents is subject to fines and penalties.
Background: On June 25, the Ministry of Interior’s immigration department for the Northeastern District of Moscow issued a resolution against a company providing food delivery services, penalizing it for a breach of rules for employment of foreign nationals. While some companies in Russia employ foreigners through staffing agencies and, thus, have no permission documents in place for the foreign employees, this can result in fines and penalties.
Analysis & Comments: Companies should avoid employing foreign nationals through third-party staffing agencies and instead hire them directly to avoid penalties. Additionally, companies should note that the authorities may see using the services of staffing agencies as a way to avoid immigration and employment responsibilities and obligations.
Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services.
This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? Russia has proposed a bill to simplify the application procedure for permanent residence permits (PRPs) and to clarify the processes for obtaining temporary residence permits (TRPs).
Proposed changes:
The following individuals may apply directly for a PRP with a three-year validity:
Analysis & Comments: The proposed changes would simplify the process for obtaining a PRP for eligible nationals and would further clarify processing of TRPs.
Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.
What is the change? The Moscow Immigration Office has announced new rules when applying for letters of invitation at the migration office located at 42 Pokrovka St. in Moscow.
What does the change mean? The state fee collected for original letters of invitation, or LOIs, must now be paid from the bank account of the inviting company. Previously, the fee could be paid by individuals and confirmed by payment receipt.
Additional information: An original payment order certified with a round bank seal and a bank representative signature must be attached to the application. The application must include the full name of the foreign national in the “purpose of payment” section.
Analysis & Comments: Companies should ensure that the state fee for LOIs is paid directly to the Moscow Immigration Office in order to complete the application. The payment receipt must be validated by a bank seal.
IMPACT – HIGH
What is the update? A series of regulations that specify procedures for inviting parties to enforce that foreign nationals comply with the terms of their visa have been submitted to the government for review. Migration authorities have verbally confirmed that companies may refer to the draft guidelines to prepare draft documents until the official recommendations are announced.
Background: In January, Article 16 of the federal law “on the status of foreign citizens in Russia” imposed new regulations on employers and individuals who invite foreign nationals to Russia to make sure that the foreign nationals comply with the terms of their visa and their purpose for being in the country. While the law took effect Jan. 16, guidelines setting out the specific regulations had not yet been issued. The proposed regulations would specify the measures to be followed by inviting parties sponsoring visas to foreign nationals.
Analysis & Comments: Companies should be aware of the new obligations and review their procedures. In particular, the inviting company should obtain written acknowledgment from foreign nationals when they arrive in Russia that they are required to comply with the stated purpose of entry and leave before their visa expires. They should also notify visa holders at least 10 days prior to their visa expiry.
Reports on the salaries paid to highly qualified specialists during the first quarter of 2019 (January through March) must be submitted in April. The reports, which employers must complete to show that they have met minimum salary payment levels, are required quarterly.