Entry ban to Russia

Ban on entry into Russia.

 

Common issues in immigration law include entry bans into the Russian Federation, expulsion, and deportation. These are situations that can happen to virtually any foreign national who is negligent about their stay in Russia. As a rule, a foreign national learns of an entry ban into the Russian Federation only upon crossing the border or at some other most inopportune moment. Even with a Temporary Residence Permit, foreign nationals are still at risk of being expelled from Russia. Even foreign nationals with permanent residence status, who have significantly more rights, may find themselves at risk for various reasons, be deported, and have their residence permit revoked. 

 

Decision to Deny Entry: The Meaning of the Term.

Russian legislation establishes a clear definition of the denial of entry into the territory of the Russian Federation; however, in everyday speech, one more often hears equivalent expressions—a ban on entry into Russia or being on the “migrant blacklist.”
These concepts are similar in meaning; however, when drafting official documents, the precise wording “decision to deny entry” is used.

Lifting the Ban on Entry into the Russian Federation.

 

Who Imposes the Entry Ban.

A number of government agencies are authorized to impose entry bans. These include: the Migration Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rospotrebnadzor, the FSB, the SVR, and other departmental agencies.

As a rule, the decision to deny entry into the Russian Federation is issued by a court based on reports from the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If a foreign national is currently on the territory of the Russian Federation, the entry ban may be accompanied by expulsion or even deportation; the distinction between these terms lies solely in whether departure from the country is voluntary or forced. FSB border units also issue reports denying entry if the case involves a violation of the permitted length of stay in the country. An entry ban may also be imposed based on unpaid traffic fines and other administrative offenses, provided there are more than two such offenses within a year.

The concept of “undesirable stay in Russia” is another term similar in significance to an entry ban, imposed by a decision of Rospotrebnadzor. Appealing such a decision is very similar to challenging the process of denying entry.

Cost of Lifting an Entry Ban.

 

Entry Ban to the Russian Federation: Where and How to Find Out If You Have One?

The main catch is that a foreign citizen does not know until the very last moment that they are barred from entering Russia and, as a rule, finds out about it at the most inopportune moment—while crossing the border. To obtain a definitive answer regarding the existence of an entry ban, a request must be submitted to the migration service in person or through an authorized representative. The government agency must provide a written response within ten days.

 

What a foreign national should do if denied entry into the Russian Federation

Regardless of where the entry ban is imposed—in a courtroom or at a border checkpoint—a foreign national has the right to receive copies of the rulings and decisions denying entry, as well as copies of all documents bearing their signature. These copies will later be crucial for lifting the entry ban into the Russian Federation. The second necessary step for a foreign national “sentenced” to expulsion from Russia is to contact an immigration lawyer and notify their loved ones.

Only by consulting competent specialists with experience in immigration law can you suspend the expulsion and entry ban into the Russian Federation without further consequences. If you have already encountered a situation where you or your loved ones are being denied entry into Russia, please contact us. Get a consultation and make a decision. If necessary, we will represent your interests before government agencies, including in court.