Russia Imposes Restrictions on Acquisition of Citizenship Except for Belarusians

Putin has restricted the acquisition of Russian citizenship – the rule does not apply to Belarusians.

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that restricts the possibility of obtaining Russian citizenship and residence permits for foreigners who have not signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry, according to Russian media, including RTVI.

According to the document, men between the ages of 18 and 65 can apply for citizenship or residence permits only after signing a contract with the Russian armed forces.

Women from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Moldova are also subject to the new rules, and now they must sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry before applying.

At the same time, the innovation does not apply to citizens of Belarus, who, under the terms of the ‘union state,’ retain a simplified regime of stay and paperwork in Russia.

The decree came into force on November 5 and applies to both obtaining Russian citizenship and extending residence permits.

Thus, Moscow is actually using migration policy to forcefully mobilize foreigners into the Russian armed forces.

Russian media note that in parallel, Putin has simplified the granting of citizenship to foreigners already fighting on the side of Russia, as well as to their family members.

The new rules have caused outrage among citizens of post-Soviet countries, as thousands of foreigners working in Russia now face a choice: military service or deportation.

It was recently reported that one in four Belarusians in the Russian army has already died.