Putin orders creation of digital profiles for foreigners in Russia

The system is intended to collect data on foreign nationals and stateless persons entering or leaving Russia, in order to compile complete and up-to-date information for the development of migration policy.

The document also defines the list of data that other government bodies will provide to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This includes information on border crossings, accredited diplomats, real estate, and the results of language tests taken by migrant children when entering school.

According to the decree, the implementation of this initiative is deemed necessary for "ensuring state security, maintaining public order, and improving national migration policy." It is stipulated that information will be exchanged between agencies via a unified electronic system, and that foreign nationals will be able to submit their data through the state services portal. The processing of information classified as state secrets is prohibited within the system.

The digital profile will become part of broader changes to Russian migration legislation. Since 2023, stricter regulations have been in place in Russia: forced deportation of undocumented migrants, tougher penalties for fake registration, and a ban on admitting children to schools without sufficient Russian language skills. The State Duma is also reviewing a bill that would expand the grounds for revoking acquired citizenship.

Back in 2022, the Kremlin planned to expand the list of conscripts by including migrants. More recently, Putin held a meeting with the Security Council to intensify military propaganda among youth. According to a report by ISW, the Kremlin is actively using patriotic programs to prepare for a prolonged war.