Russian State Duma has passed a bill to ease registration procedures for foreigners coming to Russia.
      
      From now on, registration for migrants and foreigners will cease to be compulsory. Upon registration, they will have to inform authorities of their arrival and residence. It can be done through the receiving organization or via post.
      
      Furthermore, the bill will allow to register not only those staying in residential apartments, but also those living in non-residential housing.
      
      The bill gives an exact definition of registration rules clearly outlining the migrants’ rights and responsibilities.
      
      Annually, foreigners or people with no citizenship will have to fill out and send in to the local office of the Federal Migration Service a notification confirming their temporary stay or residence.
      
      The migration card serves to confirm the right of its holder for a temporary stay in Russia and gives the period of the stay. The period will be extended if the person applies for temporary residence in Russia.
      
      Previously, the government limited the number of people who could apply for temporary residence. If passed into law, the bill will abolish this practice.
      
      Employers won’t have to ask for permission to invite workforce from abroad. The government may also allow such workers to work outside the area where they’ve been given a working licence.
      
      If any state bodies refuse to accept applications for temporary residence, foreigners or people without citizenship may apply to the Federal Migration Service to appeal the decision.
      
      SOURCE: www.rbc.ru