MOSCOW: Russians who have been banned from international travel will have to hand over their passports to authorities within five days of notification, according to a government decree that comes into force on Monday.
Russian legislation permits travel restrictions on various groups, including conscripts, Federal Security Service (FSB) personnel, convicts, and those with access to state secrets or “information of special importance.”
The relinquished passports will be securely stored by the issuing authorities, such as the interior ministry or foreign ministry. Upon the lifting of the travel ban, applicants can reclaim their passports through the designated application process outlined in the government decree.
Those whose right to travel was temporarily limited due to conscription for military or alternative civilian service will have to submit a military ID and proof of completed service is additionally required, as specified in the resolution.
In March, the Financial Times, citing undisclosed sources close to the matter, reported that Russia’s security services were seizing the passports of senior officials and executives from state-owned companies to hinder overseas travel.
