Russia will require foreigners who live in Russia, journalists included, to be tested for drugs or sexually transmitted diseases and fingerprints submitted under the new laws.

  • Russian law will require foreigners to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and drugs.
  • Vladimir Putin has signed the Rules, which will see fingerprinting of people.
  • Non-natives can apply for entry, but they will need to undergo procedures within the next 30 days.










Russian citizens living or working abroad will have to be subjected to routine tests for sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse under the new law. 

Vladimir Putin has made it a law that fingerprints all foreign workers who plan to stay in Russia for more than 90 days. This includes their families.

On Wednesday, fingerprint requirements were in effect. Medical exams are required starting March 1, next year. Tests for HIV, Aids, leprosy, and tuberculosis by physicians will be required.

While foreigners are allowed to enter without having to complete checks, the procedure must be completed within the first 30 day at Sakharovo Migration Centre 50 miles away from Moscow.

The rules will not apply to children under six years of age, Belarusians and certain diplomatic officers.

Russian journalists may also be tested, but DW.com says the Russian Foreign Ministry will seek ‘favourable circumstances’ for them.

Vladimir Putin (pictured yesterday) signed off on the new rules earlier this year on July 1, saying they would take effect after 180 days

Yesterday, Vladimir Putin signed the approval of the rules on July 1st. They were to take effect in 180 days.

The drafts state that medical certificates for doctors will not be valid after 90 days. New tests must then be performed once the certificate has expired. The certificate must be renewed within thirty days.

The Russian foreign ministry denied that routine testing would take place and called this an interpretation error, however, it has not clarified the language of the law. 

Covid will be checked, and some individuals may need to be tested for it.  

Anyone found in violation could have their work permits cancelled or lose their rights to stay in Russia. 

Foreigners will be allowed into the country without completing the checks, but must undergo the procedures within the first 30 days at the Sakharovo migration centre (pictured) 50 miles outside of Moscow

The country will allow foreigners to enter the country, without the need for checks. However, they must complete the required procedures within 30 days of arrival at Sakharovo Migration Centre (pictured), 50 miles from Moscow

Russia believes the new laws will be necessary to prevent medical threats and to better track foreign nationals in case of criminal offence.

Foreign governments and business organizations claim that the rules will make Russia more isolated from the rest and less able to do business there.

Jason Rebholz of the US Embassy in Moscow spoke out about the rules earlier this month, calling them ‘xenophobic’ and asking for their removal.

Mika Beuster from the German Journalists Association stated that foreign journalists’ health had nothing to do the Russian government.

Putin signed the law July 1st, stating that it would be in effect within 180 days.

Russian's foreign ministry has denied routine testing will take place, calling this a misinterpretation, but has yet to clarify the wording of the law. Pictured: The main office of Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry

Russian foreign ministry denies routine testing and calls this misinterpretation. However, it has not clarified the language of the law. Photo: Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry main office

American Chamber of Commerce as well as the Association of European Businesses both have resisted the proposed laws.

German-Russian Chamber of Commerce warns that new rules could have serious consequences for Russia’s economy.

Russia had 2.5 million foreign workers before the Covid pandemic. That’s around 3% from its 81 million-strong workforce.

Many of these workers were from the poorer countries in central Asia, such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. 

Advertisement