Russia’s Interior Ministry in Moscow announced that over 2,000 undocumented migrants will be deported following a series of police raids during Operation Nelegal 2024. The raids uncovered over 13,000 violations of immigration law, with more than 10,000 foreigners facing legal consequences and over 2,000 set to be deported based on court orders. In June, around 9,000 foreign citizens were deported during the first phase of the operation. These actions come in response to a tougher stance on migration in Russia following a deadly concert hall attack outside Moscow in March, carried out by citizens of Tajikistan, a major source of labor migrants in Russia.
In response to the rise in criminal incidents involving migrants, President Vladimir Putin signed legislation in August to establish a “deportation regime” in Russia. This regime allows for the surveillance and expulsion of undocumented migrants without the need for a court order, streamlining the deportation process. The new laws are set to take effect on February 5, 2025. These measures indicate a firmer approach by Russian authorities towards enforcing immigration laws and maintaining security within the country. The government is taking steps to address the issue of undocumented migrants and ensure that individuals residing in Russia comply with the legal requirements.
Data from Russia’s Interior Ministry revealed a significant decrease in the number of migrants present in the country, dropping from 8.5 million in 2023 to 6.1 million as of September 2024. This decline may be attributed to the intensified efforts to identify and deport undocumented migrants through Operation Nelegal 2024 and other enforcement initiatives. The decrease in the migrant population suggests that the government’s measures are having an impact in curbing illegal immigration and addressing the issue of unauthorized individuals within Russia. By reducing the number of undocumented migrants, Russian officials aim to enhance national security and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
The recent series of police raids and deportations indicate a growing concern over immigration enforcement and national security in Russia. With the heightened threat of terrorist attacks, particularly from individuals entering the country illegally, authorities are taking proactive steps to address these risks. The deportation of over 2,000 undocumented migrants following Operation Nelegal 2024 underscores the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration and maintaining law and order within the country. By removing individuals who do not have proper legal documentation, Russia aims to strengthen its borders and protect its citizens from potential security threats.
As part of the efforts to enhance immigration enforcement, Russia has implemented stricter measures to monitor and expel undocumented migrants. The establishment of the deportation regime, allowing for the expulsion of individuals without a court order, reflects the government’s determination to address illegal immigration effectively. By providing legal grounds for deportation and surveillance, Russian authorities seek to streamline the process of removing undocumented individuals from the country. This proactive approach aligns with the broader goal of improving security and ensuring compliance with immigration laws, demonstrating a more assertive stance on immigration policy.
In conclusion, Russia’s recent actions targeting undocumented migrants through Operation Nelegal 2024 and the deportation regime highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening immigration enforcement and enhancing national security. The significant decrease in the migrant population and the deportation of over 2,000 individuals underscore the efforts to address illegal immigration and maintain law and order within the country. By adopting stricter measures and implementing new laws, Russian authorities aim to streamline the deportation process and reduce the presence of unauthorized individuals. These initiatives reflect a more assertive stance on immigration policy in response to security concerns and criminal incidents involving migrants.
