CIS work permits delayed by extra approval process

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Citizens of CIS applying for work permits in Russia must go through an additional pre-approval process.

What does the change mean? The extra step is delaying work permit processing for CIS nationals by about one week.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: CIS
• Impact on processing times: Delays lasting up to one week.

Background: Russia has imposed a pre-approval process on work permit applications submitted for CIS nationals. The process requires that a local director of the Federal Migration Service, or FMS, approve the application before it is adjudicated under normal procedures. The preapproval process depends on the hours of operation. Typically, the local director signs the documents every Thursday.

Russia recently imposed new entry restrictions on Ukrainians. Tensions are high after Russia annexed Crimea following political demonstrations that deposed Ukraine’s president in February.

BAL Analysis: The additional step for work permit processing will cause minor delays. This new rule is for all CIS nationals, but employers should expect more restrictions between Ukraine and Russia as long as the conflict continues.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Russia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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