In a recent government decree that took effect on Monday, Russians facing travel bans will be required to surrender their passports to authorities within five days of receiving notification.
The decree outlines that individuals subject to travel restrictions, including conscripts, Federal Security Service (FSB) employees, convicts, and those with access to state secrets or “information of special importance,” must comply with the passport handover within the stipulated timeframe.
In accordance with Russian law, the authorities issuing the passport, such as the interior ministry or foreign ministry, will store the returned document. The process ensures that individuals under travel bans cannot use their passports to leave the country.
Reuters reports that, Upon the lifting of the travel ban, individuals can reclaim their passports by submitting an application.
However, the decree introduces additional requirements for those subject to travel limitations due to conscription. In such cases, individuals must also present a military ID along with proof of completing military or alternative civilian service.
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The government’s move is part of efforts to tighten control over the movement of certain individuals, including senior officials and executives of state-owned companies.
In March, reports surfaced that Russia’s security services were confiscating passports from high-ranking officials and executives to prevent them from traveling abroad.
The new decree formalizes and extends this practice to a broader range of individuals subject to travel bans.
In March, the Financial Times reported, citing unnamed sources close to the matter, that Russia’s security services were confiscating the passports of senior officials and state company executives to prevent overseas travel.
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