Immigration authorities now enforcing insurance requirements

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Moscow regional Federal Migration Service office has begun enforcing recently introduced health insurance requirements for foreign nationals conducting work activities.

What does the change mean? Companies sponsoring foreign nationals in the Moscow region should be prepared to show proof of health insurance coverage that meets all requirements, including a minimum insured sum of 100,000 rubles (about US$1,530), an insured term that covers the duration of the work permit, and coverage in the territorial area where the employee will work.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: All work permits, work patents.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for work permits at the Moscow regional FMS office.
• Impact on processing times: Health insurance policies that do not conform to the requirements may delay processing.

Background: New health insurance rules that were announced in a September decree by the Central Bank of Russia were rolled out in January and took full effect in May. The regional Moscow FMS office has begun checking the insurance certificates of work permit applicants to make sure their terms comply with the Central Bank’s requirements.

BAL Analysis: To avoid delays, foreign nationals intending to work in Russia should make sure their health insurance policy meets all requirements before applying for their work permits. Other jurisdictions in Russia are expected to begin enforcing the requirements soon.

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

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