November 04, 2026

Russian Deportation Bingo


Russian Deportation Bingo
Keep it close. The Russian Life files. 

A new federal law, No. 294-FZ, was signed on August 4, 2026, and takes effect on November 3. It more than doubles the number of offenses that warrant deportation of foreign citizens and stateless persons.

The list of infractions includes several “public order and security offenses,” including hooliganism, incitement of hatred or enmity, public display of prohibited symbols, and disobeying law enforcement, among others. It also bans organization of mass demonstrations and involvement with an ever-growing number of undesirable organizations.

Alongside immediate deportation, there is a fine for breaking one of the articles: up to R3,000 ($37). The penalties are much harsher for disobeying a border guard – a R7,000 ($87) fine or arrest for 15 days.  

The legislation also encompasses penalties for Russian entry violations and stricter regulations on the employment and stay of foreign nationals.

Visitors to Russia are not the only ones who must avoid committing minor offenses. Businesses that employ foreign workers may also to be affected, especially if a worker is deported. Under the existing Russian Federal Law No. 115-FZ, employers must notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs when they terminate an employment contract with a foreign citizen.

The restrictions further limit the freedoms and opportunities of foreign nationals and stateless persons in Russia, placing yet greater constraints on those who still wish to live in, work in, or visit the country.

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