Oct 26, 2005: Migration Cards, "Leprosy" and Registration

by AmCham President Andrew B. Somers

October 26,2005
Moscow

Members and Friends of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia,

AmCham's pragmatic approach to working with Russian government agencies on reducing barriers to normal business operations is bearing fruit. We have been informed by the Federal Migration Service (FMS) of the following imminent positive changes in rules and procedures:

Migration Cards

The FMS has been charged with coordinating the inter-agency work to prepare a government decree (postanovlenie), which would officially reinstate bi-lingual migration cards before the end of 2005. In the meantime, airlines and airports have been advised by the government to use the old bi-lingual migration cards, which are in ample enough supply to last until the end of 2005. As I have been informed by individual member companies' representatives, this intermediate procedure is in effect and working quite well.

Medical Tests

The government is working to make medical tests requirements more reasonable for business travelers. Since the process requires approvals from several executive bodies, it may take a few months. As a significant intermediate relief, expatriate executives of AmCham member companies will not be required to take medical tests other than the standard HIV-AIDS test (HIV-AIDS certificates issued in your country of residence are also acceptable).

Law on Foreigners

The FMS has developed several drafts of amendments to the Law on Foreigners. These amendments, which are under review by the government, are expected to be approved by the executive branch and passed by the State Duma by early 2006. Among other positive changes, foreigners will be allowed to register by simply notifying the FMS by registered mail of their arrival to the place of their residence, thus greatly simplifying the current cumbersome system.

We have invited top FMS officials to speak to the membership and will inform you when the date of this speaking engagement has been finalized. AmCham will continue its work with the FMS on migration, work permit and registration issues, and will keep you advised on the progress.

Andrew B. Somers
President

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2003-2005, American Chamber of Commerce in Russia