Overview
- Lawmakers voted on July 21–22 to more than double the list of administrative offenses that can trigger deportation by adding 23 articles to the 22 already in force.
- The Duma approved a ban that prevents any foreigner with a criminal conviction from obtaining Russian citizenship, a residence permit, or temporary residency and allows annulment of already issued documents if an unexpunged conviction is found with exceptions for refugees and political emigrants.
- A separate law creates a government list of Russians living abroad who are prosecuted under specified political or administrative articles and bars those listed from property transactions, banking app operations, and most consular services.
- That political‑emigrant measure was tightened in later readings to permit direct recovery from frozen funds to cover court costs and damages and will enter into force as soon as the president signs it.
- Officials framed the package as protecting law and public order but rights groups warn the laws build on post‑2024 measures like a registry of ‘controlled persons’ and administrative expulsions without court review and will further restrict movement, banking access and legal protections for migrants and critics.