Starting on September 5, 2024, Kyrgyzstan has enforced new regulations for foreigners from visa-free countries, including Russia, who wish to stay in the country for extended periods. The changes, announced by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Digital Development, affect visitors entering for private reasons. Previously, citizens of visa-free countries, such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Belarus, could remain in Kyrgyzstan for up to six months. However, the new rules limit their stay to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
To remain in Kyrgyzstan beyond this 90-day limit, foreign nationals will now need specific documents such as a residence permit, a “Kairylman” certificate, a “Meken-card,” or identification as a stateless person. These documents are essential for foreigners wishing to extend their stay or register their presence in the country. The new regulations aim to streamline the migration process while ensuring stricter enforcement of residency requirements.
The changes have raised concerns among Russian expatriates who have recently moved to Kyrgyzstan. Many fear they may face significant difficulties when trying to extend their stays under the new system. Legal experts like Murat Azimbaev have explained that while the intention behind the new rules is to manage migration more efficiently, the requirement to prove a stable and legal income for temporary residence permits could be a hurdle for some foreign nationals.
Kyrgyzstan’s new policies come at a time when Russia is also taking a stricter stance on migration. In Russia, the number of deportations has surged dramatically over the past six months. According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, about 65,000 foreigners were deported between January and July 2024, marking a 55.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The number of administrative offenses related to migration also saw a sharp rise, with 1.6 million recorded incidents, a 40% increase year-on-year.
The rise in deportations and administrative expulsions in Russia is seen as part of the government’s toughened approach to enforcing migration laws. This heightened enforcement has created concerns not only for foreigners living in Russia but also for Russian expatriates in neighboring countries like Kyrgyzstan, who now face more stringent residency requirements.
The updated regulations in Kyrgyzstan mean that citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, will need to pay closer attention to their travel plans. Previously able to stay in Kyrgyzstan for extended periods without registration, these nationals will now be restricted to the 90-day limit, prompting some to rethink their long-term residency plans.
Despite these concerns, Kyrgyz authorities maintain that the new rules are necessary to regulate migration flows more effectively. While the regulations may pose challenges for some, they are designed to ensure better management of foreign nationals in the country. For those planning extended stays in Kyrgyzstan, preparing in advance and securing the required documentation will be essential to avoid complications.
As these changes take effect, both Kyrgyzstan and Russia’s evolving migration policies highlight a growing regional trend toward stricter enforcement. Russian nationals and other foreigners hoping to reside in Kyrgyzstan for longer periods will need to adapt to the new requirements or seek alternative options to extend their stay.