Russia: Information on whether it is currently illegal to exit Russia without an exit visa and, if so, what penalties are applied in such a circumstance (update to Response to Information Request RUS12489 of 18 December 1992)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 October 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | RUS15444.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Russia: Information on whether it is currently illegal to exit Russia without an exit visa and, if so, what penalties are applied in such a circumstance (update to Response to Information Request RUS12489 of 18 December 1992), 1 October 1993, RUS15444.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac4810.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The information that follows adds to Response to Information Request RUS12489 of 18 December 1992 available in the REFINFO database. According to ITAR-TASS (1 Jan. 1983) and Rossiyskaya Gazeta (4 Jan. 1993), the Law on the Procedure for Exit from and Entry into the USSR by USSR Citizens adopted in December 1992 by the Russian Parliament and signed by R.I. Khasbulatov, former chairman of the Russian Federation Soviet Supreme, came into effect on 1 January 1993. This legislation allows Russian nationals to leave Russia and return at their convenience and will be in effect until a new Russian Federation law is adopted (Ibid.). The law currently in force eliminates the requirement for an exit visa to travel abroad; Russians reportedly can obtain a passport within a month following the date of application and can travel abroad for any period of time to any foreign destination, for business or private purposes (Country Reports 1992 1993, 891; ITAR-TASS 1 Jan. 1993). The Country Reports 1992 indicates, however, that a person requires the permission of close relatives to emigrate and young men must complete their military service before being allowed to do so (1993, 891).
This response was prepared after researching publicly-accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. United States Department of State. Washington, DC. United States Government Printing Office, p. 891.
ITAR-TASS [Moscow, in English]. 1 January 1993. "Law Permitting Freedom of Travel Takes Effect." (FBIS-SOV-93-002 5 Jan. 1993, p. 33)
Rossiyskaya Gazeta [Moscow, in Russian]. 4 January 1993. "Decree Issued on Law on Citizens' Travel." (FBIS-SOV-93-004 7 Jan. 1993, pp. 28-29)
Attachments
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. United States Department of State. Washington, DC. United States Government Printing Office, p. 891.
ITAR-TASS [Moscow, in English]. 1 January 1993. "Law Permitting Freedom of Travel Takes Effect." (FBIS-SOV-93-002 5 Jan. 1993, p. 33)
Rossiyskaya Gazeta [Moscow, in Russian]. 4 January 1993. "Decree Issued on Law on Citizens' Travel." (FBIS-SOV-93-004 7 Jan. 1993, pp. 28-29)
