Putin Simplified the Application Process for Temporary Residence to Citizens of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a federal law simplifying the procedure for issuing a temporary residence permit in Russia for several categories of foreign nationals and stateless persons. The document was published on Friday, August 2, on the official Internet-portal of legal information. In particular, the federal law reduces the processing times for temporary residence applications from six to four months and establishes a new procedure for issuance, renewal as well as the cancellation of permanent residency. The bill will affect citizens born in Russia; those who are married to a Russian; participants in the state program for the voluntary resettlement of compatriots; refugees; those who have received temporary asylum in Russia. The bill also assumes the possibility of obtaining a perpetual residence permit.  Thus far, according to the general rule, it has been issued for 5 years. The exception was made only to highly qualified specialists and members of their families. They will be granted a residence permit for the duration of the work permit. Skilled workers may receive the document for a period of three years. Also, there has been expanded the list of foreign citizens who may obtain a residence permit without issuing a temporary residence permit. This list will include those born in the territory of the RSFSR and who had Soviet citizenship in the past, deported from the Crimean Autonomous Union Republic and their relatives in a straight line. A residence permit will also be available to children born in Russia who have been adopted by foreigners. In addition, the list of cases when a foreigner can obtain a temporary residence permit without taking into account the quota of the government is specified. According to Gazeta.ru this law can be used by citizens of Ukraine, who are going to live and work in Russia for a long time. Izvestia