Moscow, Russia – In a legislative move that strengthens the position of foreign fighters in the Russian military, the Federation Council (the upper house of the Russian parliament) passed a new law on Wednesday imposing a complete ban on the administrative deportation of foreigners who have served in the Russian armed forces.
This decision comes as part of Moscow’s efforts to provide legal and social guarantees to foreign volunteers who have participated in ongoing military operations.
Legal protection for contractors and participants
The new law explicitly states that administrative deportation from Russian territory will not apply to foreign citizens or stateless persons who have signed a formal contract to serve in the Russian Armed Forces or its affiliated military formations.
This protection also extends to those who served under previous contracts and actively participated in the execution of their assigned combat or security tasks. Consequently, it grants them a degree of legal immunity against traditional immigration procedures that could lead to their removal from the country.
Alternatives to punishment: fines and compulsory labor
In a related development, the Federation Council approved legal alternatives to administrative deportation for individuals who commit punishable offenses. These alternatives include fines or mandatory community service of 100 to 200 hours.
This amendment aims to retain experienced military personnel and prevent their loss due to administrative measures. Furthermore, it ensures their continued adherence to the Russian legal system through alternative sanctions that do not affect their residency status within the country.
