Russia: Visa-free entry for foreign nationals seeking refuge from Ukraine
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Moscow announces it has facilitated entry for foreign nationals coming in from Ukraine and the Donbass Republic.
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Starting March 5, foreign nationals and stateless people fleeing Ukraine will be able to enter Russia without visas.
Russia announced on Saturday that it facilitated entry procedures for foreign nationals fleeing the violence in Ukraine, the Kremlin press service said.
According to the government decree, starting March 5, foreign nationals and stateless people will be allowed to enter the Russian Federation by way of the LPR, DPR, and Ukraine, and to exit Russia to their countries without the need for visa registration.
The only thing the refugees will need is a document that proves their identity and is recognized by Russia.
Foreigners residing in Ukraine have been subjected to unequal treatment and delays as they were trying to flee the country alongside hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, Human Rights Watch reported.
Everyone escaping war in #Ukraine, no matter where they come from, should be allowed to leave. @hrw interviews show the unequal treatment of foreigners.
— Ida Sawyer (@ida_sawyer) March 4, 2022
One described a driver who said “all blacks need to get off the bus” as they approached the border.https://t.co/57SrSlUFAg pic.twitter.com/KzslIuecFc
The humanitarian organization revealed that interviews with tens of foreign nationals showed a pattern of blocking or delaying foreigners from boarding buses and trains in favor of Ukrainians.
"It's a harrowing situation for everyone trying to get out of harm's way," no matter their home country, they should be allowed to leave, said Judith Sunderland, associate Europe, and Central Asia director at HRW.
"Ukrainian authorities should not discriminate based on nationality or race, and neighboring countries should allow everyone in with a minimum of bureaucracy," she added.
