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Russia tightens residency rules to crack down on fraudulent registrations

Moscow's latest reforms give authorities sweeping powers to cancel sham registrations. Will this end residency fraud—or spark new controversies?

The image shows a piece of paper with handwriting on it, which appears to be a receipt from the...
The image shows a piece of paper with handwriting on it, which appears to be a receipt from the Russian government. The paper is yellowed with age, and the handwriting is neat and legible.

Russia tightens residency rules to crack down on fraudulent registrations

Russia has introduced stricter residency registration rules to tackle fraud. The new measures, effective from June 1, 2023, give authorities greater power to cancel fake registrations. Officials say the changes will make the system more efficient and reduce misuse. Under the updated regulations, the Interior Ministry (MVD) can now deregister residents if they are not living at their declared address. Local MVD heads will have the authority to make these decisions. Official documents, such as court rulings or administrative files, will serve as evidence for removal.

The process will take up to five business days once a violation is confirmed. After deregistration, property owners or tenants will receive formal notification. The government has stressed that the reforms target only fraudulent cases, leaving lawful registrations untouched.

Authorities believe the new rules will help combat sham registrations and improve oversight. By cutting down on document-related abuses, they aim to create a more reliable system for tracking residency. The reforms mark a shift in how Russia manages residency records. Deregistration will now happen faster, with clearer legal grounds. Residents with genuine registrations will see no changes to their status.

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