Russia implements mandatory biometric registration for migrants.

Starting December 1, 2024, new entry regulations will come into effect in the Russian Federation for foreign citizens and stateless individuals. According to the decree issued by the Government of the Russian Federation, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on November 7, all arriving foreigners will be required to provide biometric data. This initiative is part of an experimental project that will last until June 30, 2026.

In the initial phase, from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the collection of biometric information will be conducted at all airports in Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky) and at the cargo-passenger checkpoint "Mashtakovo" in the Orenburg region. Starting June 30, 2025, this procedure will become mandatory at all border crossing points into Russia. As part of the experiment, a digital profile will be created for each entering foreign citizen.

The procedure for collecting biometric data includes facial photography and fingerprinting. The airline Qanot Sharq has already warned passengers about potential delays related to this new requirement and has advised arriving at airports well in advance. The procedure takes place in the border control area. At Domodedovo Airport, similar measures, which include photography and fingerprinting, have been in effect since October 1, 2024, for foreign citizens.

Foreign citizens from Belarus, employees of diplomatic and consular services, representatives of international organizations, individuals holding diplomatic passports, diplomatic and service visas, as well as their family members and children under the age of 6, are exempt from the mandatory biometric data submission.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation is developing a set of measures to enhance migration control. As stated by the press secretary of the Ministry, Police Major General Irina Volk, foreign citizens have the opportunity to provide biometric data in advance at the Ministry's foreign representations operating in 30 countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In Uzbekistan, this procedure can be completed at the representations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation by contacting law enforcement officers for necessary information and assistance in the process.

In April 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia presented a draft law that, among other things, proposes the introduction of a unified identity document for foreigners residing in Russia, as well as the signing of "loyalty agreements" by them.