The Russian State Duma has adopted a law that tightens migration legislation and aims to prevent obtaining citizenship through sham marriages.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin.
According to him, the new law specifically aims to prevent cases of obtaining Russian citizenship by entering into formal marriages with elderly women.
"It was necessary to create order in this area. Previously, there were many sham marriages. Arrivals tried to obtain citizenship by entering into formal marriages with 80-year-old women. These loopholes have now been eliminated," Volodin said.
According to the law, foreign citizens will no longer be granted Russian citizenship, a temporary residence permit, or a residence permit if they have any unexpunged or unpaid convictions.
If these documents have already been issued and an unexpunged conviction is subsequently discovered, they will be revoked. This rule will not apply only to persons who have officially received refugee status or political asylum.
The new law also tightens document requirements for migrants. Thus, applicants must submit an official certificate from their country of residence, issued within the last three months, stating whether they have a criminal record. Persons with multiple citizenships or residence permits will submit a separate certificate for each country.
This requirement will not apply to children under 14, refugees, those granted political asylum, and military personnel who have signed a contract with the Russian Armed Forces.
The law will come into force 180 days after it is signed by the president. Applications submitted before that date will be considered under the previous rules.
It is noted that these changes were adopted as part of the tightening of migration policy implemented in Russia after the "Crocus City Hall" terrorist act.
