According to statistics from the Russian Interior Ministry, the number of individuals aspiring to be Russian citizens and those obtaining residence permits in the Russian Federation is steadily declining. As reported by the Russian press, in 2024, 209,000 people received Russian passports, marking a record low for the past five years. Simultaneously, the number of foreigners deported from Russia reached an all-time high. The Ministry of the Interior attributes this trend to tightened controls in the immigration field.

Experts consulted by Kommersant newspaper believe that the statistics were also influenced by the lack of targeted efforts regarding the Crocus Hall terrorist attack and the repatriation of citizens to their countries. WHY HAS THE NUMBER OF CITIZENSHIP ACQUISITIONS DROPPED?

The Ministry of the Interior released annual migration statistics for the January-December 2024 period. During this timeframe, Russian citizenship was granted to 209,000 individuals, which is 44.8% less compared to 2023. The agency also issued documents legalizing the stays of foreigners in Russia much less frequently. While 44.5 thousand individuals were granted temporary residence permits in 2024 (a halving from 2023), 214.9 thousand received residence permits (a 21.3% decline).

The Ministry attributes the significant drop in the number of “new Russians” to the fact that most individuals residing in new regions had obtained passports through a simplified regime in 2022-2023. Additionally, this trend is a result of “tighter control” in the immigration field. 190,200 INDIVIDUALS WERE DEPORTED

In 2024, 190,200 individuals were deported from the country, which represents a 31.1% increase compared to 2023. Among them, 157,000 foreigners were compelled to leave Russia due to violations of Russian legislation. 1,757 individuals were stripped of their citizenship. The Ministry of the Interior added, “Furthermore, law enforcement agencies intensified their efforts to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who do not comply with Russian legislation.”

“YOU CANNOT ENTER THE COUNTRY!”

Police authorities sent 267,200 applications regarding denied entry to Russia, which is 93,800 more than in 2023. Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs Konstantin Zatulin believes there are other reasons for the decrease in the number of individuals seeking Russian citizenship. Speaking to Kommersant, Zatulin stated, “Amid an unfinished war, under sanctions, when at least in the West, the words ‘Russian’ and ‘Russia’ have become profanities, you cannot expect a significant influx right now.”