Registration rules eased for foreigners

A law easing the cumbersome process of registration on arrival in Russia has been passed in record time following complaints from the international business community about new guidelines that came into force in mid-February.

President Dmitry Medvedev signed into law changes that allow foreigners up to seven business days (up from the current three) to stay in the country without registering, and forbidding police from collecting on-the-spot fines for violations. Any offences will now be reported to the organisation that invited the foreigner, which will be responsible for paying any penalties.

The changes are part of a drive to attract foreign talent to Russia and to combat corruption and excessive bureaucracy. The Association of European Businesses said the steps were “immediate and constructive”. Visitors often complain about the difficulty of entering Russia.

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