RUSSIA: New Law on Counter-Sanctions Does Not Directly Restrict Immigration

June 11, 2018


Effective 4th June 2018, Federal Law No. 127-FZ “On Measures of Affect (Counteraction) in Connection with Unfriendly Actions of the United States of America and other Foreign States” authorises the government of Russia to impose responsive restriction measures on the US and other foreign states at the President’s decision.

The final version of the law does not specifically stipulate the possibility of imposing a ban on the employment of foreign nationals. This may indicate that such a ban is not being considered among the most likely responsive measures.

Nevertheless, the law allows the Russian authorities to put into effect any restrictions not stipulated in the law at their discretion and at any time.

If a decision to impose restrictions is made, they must be elaborated and put into effect by a separate by-law (governmental decree or other).

Our Advice

Employers of foreign nationals in Russia should be prepared for the possibility that the employment of certain nationalities may be banned in the future under this law.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Russia, please email us at [email protected].