Deportation of Violating Foreign Nationals: Russia Deports Around 100,000 Migrants in Half a Year
The State Duma reported that in the first half of 2026, Russian courts and law enforcement agencies issued approximately 100,000 administrative deportation decisions against foreign nationals—an increase of 2.6 times compared to the same period last year.
The number of deportations from Moscow rose from 8,300 to 16,000, accounting for about one-third of all cases involving violations of Article 18.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (illegal entry and residence).
The sharp rise in deportations is not solely due to an increase in violators. In July, Russia expanded the grounds for deportation: previously only 22 administrative laws could trigger deportation, but now this has been extended to 45 provisions. Acts such as firing guns in urban areas, using non-lethal weapons without justification, and participating in mass brawls are now grounds for deportation.
Data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs shows that the number of crimes committed by foreign nationals declined by 40% in the first half of the year, with the State Duma attributing this significant drop largely to tightened immigration regulations.
The Federation Council recently approved amendments to the law: foreign nationals seeking temporary or long-term residence permits in Russia must now provide a criminal record clearance certificate issued by their home country.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874035012862988/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.