RUSSIA – Employment Ban and Visa Restrictions for Turkish Nationals
Due to the current political situation, employers in Russia will not be able to obtain work permits for Turkish nationals from January 1, 2016. Also from January 1, Turkish nationals will no longer be able to enter Russia without a visa.
Employment Ban
Presidential Order No. 583 of November 28, 2015 introduces a package of sanctions against Turkey, including the ban on employment of Turkish nationals in Russia. The ban will not extend to Turkish nationals currently employed in Russia. However, it is not yet clear whether employers will be able to file for work permit extensions for these existing work permit holders.
Visa Restrictions
The presidential order also suspends the bilateral agreement between Turkey and Russia from May 12, 2010 on the simplification of visa requirements. This means that, from January 1 2016, Turkish nationals will not be able to enter Russia for tourism or business without a visa, except for diplomats and residence permit holders.