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Employers using the Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) program in Russia should be advised of a new document requirement. Specifically, effective yesterday, the Moscow Migration Service now requires that a copy of the applicant’s university diploma be submitted along with the work permit application. This change was made to prevent abuse of the program by under-qualified workers. Renewal applicants are also impacted by the new requirement.
After receiving a scanned copy of the applicant’s diploma from the client, BAL will provide translation and notary services before submission. The diploma can be issued in any field; it does not need to correspond with the employee’s intended employment field in Russia.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Russia. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
On May 13, President Vladimir Putin issued a decree establishing visa exemptions for competitors and officials traveling to Russia for international sporting events. Eligible individuals will include competing athletes, their families, trainers, team representatives, official foreign delegations, event judges and referees, as well as other types of officials endorsed by event organizers. Participants will need to carry valid passports as well as approved accreditation documents. The documents will be issued by the event organizers in Russia after the Russian Federal Security Service has granted its approval.
According to a government order dated June 27, the following events will qualify for the waiver:
BAL’s network partner in Russia has also confirmed that these events will be considered eligible for the visa waiver program:
The new visa waiver program should facilitate travel for competing athletes, their families, and officials participating in several large-scale sporting events scheduled to be held in Russia over the next few years. BAL will provide more details about credentials, effective dates and minimum passport validity as they are released by the Russian government.