Russian Federation - May 2025

A government-run registry of migrants deemed to be living illegally in Russia, launched in February, had grown to include at least 685,000 names by March, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation in May. This is equivalent to one in nine foreign citizens in the country. Both the size of the registry and reports from migrants and rights organizations indicate many individuals are included by mistake or without cause, and appeals are lengthy, costly, and uncertain to succeed. Those whose names appear in the register are barred from legally changing their residence, leaving the region in which they live, buying or owning property, opening a bank account, or withdrawing more than RUB 30,000 a month (USD 379).

Sources: British Broadcasting Corporation Russian, Kommersant, Meduza