Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree requiring foreign nationals residing illegally in Russia to resolve their legal status or leave the country by 30 April 2025. The decree was published on the official legal information portal on 23 December 2024.

As reported by TASS, the decree aims to combat illegal immigration as part of a comprehensive migration reform initiated by the government. The document specifies that those unable to obtain the necessary permits to stay in Russia must leave within the prescribed timeframe to avoid administrative fines or deportation.

RIA Novosti highlights that foreign nationals unable to leave Russia for reasons such as lack of financial means or logistical difficulties will have opportunities to legalize their stay. This could include obtaining temporary registration or a residence permit.

According to Kommersant, the decree also applies to foreign students, workers, and tourists who are in the country on a temporary basis but have not completed the required documentation to extend their stay. Authorities emphasized that specific timelines and stages for filing documents to legalize status are in place. Temporary support measures, such as consultations and assistance with visa and permit applications, will also be available.

At the same time, Novaya Gazeta reports that the decree includes provisions to improve the monitoring of migration flows in Russia and to strengthen penalties for employers who hire foreign nationals without proper documentation. These measures aim to prevent exploitation and violations of labor rights for foreign workers.

Experts believe the decree will drive significant changes in the country’s migration policy and create new opportunities for individuals seeking to legalize their status in Russia. However, Izvestia notes that failure to comply with the decree will result in deportation, complicating the chances of returning to Russia in the future.