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  • Immigration in Russia: Changes to Tourist Visas Coming in August

    31 May 2021 4:10 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, please be informed that the Federal Law was signed on May 26th 2021 by the President of Russian Federation which eases the visa obtaining process for foreign citizens who come to Russia on tourist purposes.

    This law will come into force on August 25, 2021.

    What law introduces the changes?

    • Federal Law #145-FZ of May 26th 2021 "on amending article 25-6 of the Federal Law "On the Procedure of Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation".

    What are the changes?

    1. A tourist visa can be obtained upon presenting the following documents: 

    • confirmation (tourist voucher) from a tourist company accredited by the federal register of tour operators (currently this is the only available option);
    • booking confirmation from a hotel or another accommodation facility included to the unified list of classified hotels, ski slopes, beaches.

    2. A tourist visa will be granted for a period of up to 6 months (at the moment it is given for up to 1 month or 6 months according to the principle of reciprocity).

    Who will be affected?

    Foreign citizens who plan on visiting Russia with tourist purposes.

    _____________________________

    You can read an original version here.

  • Follow Up: Russia Resumes Flights to 5 More Countries

    28 May 2021 7:30 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, please be informed that the Russian government has officially lifted restrictions on entry for citizens and permanent residents of Malta, Mexico, Iceland, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia as per the Decree No. 1342-r dated 24.05.2021.

    As it was reported earlier, Russia resumed regular passenger flights from these countries on 25 May 2021.

    This is also to remind you that mentioned foreign nationals are allowed through the Russian border if they take a direct flight from any "green-list" country.

    _____________________________

    You can read an original version here.

  • COVID-19 in Russia: Update on Exceptions from Entry Restrictions

    26 May 2021 10:20 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, please be informed that in accordance with the governmental decree No. 1291-p dated 18 May 2021 several changes were made to decrees No. 635-p dated 16.03.2020 and 763-p 27.03.2020 which regulate COVID-19 entry restrictions.

    What are the key changes?

    1. Restrictions on entry and exit via the Russian land border for holders of Russian permanent residence permits have been lifted.

    2. “Close relatives” and “Russian nationals’ family members” now designate a broader range of persons: spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, adopters, and adoptees. Guardians and trustees are not among this list.

    NB! HQS dependents who may enter Russia based on approved lists are still limited to spouses, children, parents, adopters, and adoptees of the principal employee.

    3. Nationals and permanent residents of green-listed countries may enter Russia by plane from any green-listed country as well as from Belarus.

    4. New categories of persons have become exempted from the entry restrictions:

    1) Business travelers who are owners or CEOs of enterprises located in Russia or participants of negotiations on fulfilment of investment projects – based on the lists approved by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development in accordance with a special governmental algorithm.

    Intermark comment

    As of now, the algorithm of including such persons in the approved list not yet published and it is unclear whether interested companies may submit requests for approval to the Ministry directly or not. Intermark has asked the Ministry of Economic Development, governmental Operational staff for the prevention of importing and spreading of COVID-19 and Russian government for clarifications and we are now expecting to receive additional comments.

    2) Fan ID holders who arrive visa-free in the period from 29 May until 2 July 2021 included to attend UEFA Euro 2021™ football matches hosted by Saint-Petersburg.

    Who is affected?

    Foreign nationals travelling to Russia and their inviting parties.

    _____________________________

    You can read an original version here.

  • Closure of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Canada

    25 May 2021 12:56 PM | Vera Dedyulya (Administrator)

    Please be informed that the Government of the Republic of Belarus has taken decision to close the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Canada.

    The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Canada suspends its activity on September 1, 2021. The Consular Section of the Embassy suspends acceptance and handling of documents, including visa applications, documents for consular authentication, and issuance of certificates of criminal record check, starting July 10, 2021.

    It is assumed that the consular functions of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Canada would further be performed by the Consulate General of the Republic of Belarus in New York, United States of America.

    Source: https://canada.mfa.gov.by/en/embassy/news/a6d64eb575392127.html

  • New Migration Rules in Russia: Interview Requirement for Heads of Companies

    24 May 2021 4:00 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, please be informed that the migration authorities of the city of Moscow and Moscow region are now extending the practice of inviting chief executives (general managers, heads of branches and representative offices) for an interview. This is now applicable to all companies for the purpose of company accreditation as an inviting company, for Moscow region also for the purpose of obtaining initial HQS work permits.

    What are the changes?

    As of now, state authorities request an in-person visit of a chief executive for an interview for all companies in the following cases:

    1. In Moscow migration office (Pokrovka Street 42) and Moscow region migration office (Solyanka street 9A bld. 1):

    - upon initial accreditation of a company (for the purpose of processing invitation letters);

    - upon change of the accredited company’s chief executive.

    In Moscow, an interview is also requested if the accredited company has not been applying for invitation letters for more than 1 year.

    2. In Moscow region migration office (‘Greenwood’ business centre) for the purpose of filing an initial HQS work permit application.

    In practice, such an interview usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes and is perfunctory in nature: the questions may deal with the area of the company’s activities, number of employed foreigners, expected number of invitation letters.

    Intermark comment

    Intermark recommends to account for this requirement when planning the mentioned immigration processes, especially if the chief executive’s availability is limited. In case an in-person visit is necessary for filing an application Intermark specialists will assist with arranging the visit and will accompany.

    Who is affected?

    Companies, which procure invitation letters from migration authorities of the city of Moscow and Moscow region or apply for initial HQS work permits in Moscow region.

    _____________________________

    You can read an original version here.


  • Virtual conference "Kazakhstan and Canada: 29 years of Economic Achievements"

    20 May 2021 7:13 PM | Dalila Rakhimbek

    On May 13 2021, the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA) has held an online conference “Kazakhstan and Canada: 29 years of economic achievements” which was attended by representatives of business, diplomatic circles, government institutions of Kazakhstan and Canada.

    The conference started with welcome speeches from distinguished speakers, including H.E. Akylbek Kamaldinov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada; H.E. Nicholas Brousseau, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan; Ms. Margaret Skok, Former Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, Senior Fellow Carleton University/NPSIA. The conference was moderated by General Director and Chairman of the Board of “Al-Hilal” Bank Kazakhstan, member of the Board of Directions of CERBA Kazakhstan, Mr. Gordon Haskins

    The conference speakers from Kazakhstan included Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics Mr. Erzhan Saltybayev and “Bazis-A” Corporation CEO Mr. Alexander Belovich.

    The Canadian side was represented by President and CEO of Cameco Corporation Mr. Timothy Gitzel, Chairman CERBA Kazakhstan, General Director Condor Petroleum Norman Storm, General Director Ex-Im Trading David Barker, BDM for AGI-CDCS Kazakhstan JV Mark Findlay.

    The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada Akylbek Kamaldinov in his speech noted the main achievements of the country over the past years and also the reforms being carried out in the country. Additionally it was mentioned that Canada is one of the leading investor-countries to Kazakhstan. Since 2005, gross Canadian foreign direct investment exceeded over 6.5 billion CAD.

    The Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan Nicholas Brousseau in his opening speech noted that “Since Kazakhstan has gained the independance our relationships has been developing extensively in every area: from official visits, bilateral cooperation to economic and trade relations”.

    Former Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan Margaret Skok shared her memories about establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 and the first Canadian companies in the agriculture, mining sector, education and energy set their business in Kazakhstan.

    Mr. E. Saltybaev in his speech touched upon two key directions of development of Kazakhstan as a sovereign state: the economic sphere and the unique model of the country’s foreign policy.

    Canadian businessmen shared their 25 years of work experience in Kazakhstan. Representatives of each company drew a parallel to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries on the example of their own company and on aspects that allow business to be successful in Kazakhstan.

    Businessmen also noted the investment opportunities available to Canadian companies; measures taken by the government to help simplifying business processes and promoting transparent interaction between the countries. They also shared practical advices for doing business.

    Mr. A. Ya. Belovich referred to the history of “Bazis-A” corporation and the first buildings and objects that were built by means of Canadian technologies. Moreover he spoke about future projects in the construction sector and the new direction the company has taken in the field of agriculture.

    The speakers of the conference highlighted the important role of such a guide between business  and government as the Foreign Investor Council in Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council (KKDC).

    The event was organized by CERBA Kazakhstan with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada.

    For more information, please contact the KCBC Coordinator and Regional Director of CERBA Kazakhstan Taskyn Koshman: taskyn@cerbanet.org.

  • COVID-19 in Russia: Russia Resumes Flights to 5 More Countries

    18 May 2021 5:30 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, please be informed that the governmental Operational staff for the prevention of importing and spreading of the new coronavirus infection has decided to resume air traffic with Malta, Mexico, Iceland, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia.

    The flights will resume effective 25 May 2021.

    Which document introduces the changes?

    The decision of the Operational staff for the prevention of importing and spreading of the new coronavirus infection (available in Russian at the following link http://government.ru/news/42187).

    What are the changes?

    The number of countries which have reestablished flights with Russia has reached 35:

    - UK*
    - Tanzania*
    - Turkey*
    - Switzerland
    - Egypt
    - Maldives
    - UAE
    - Kazakhstan
    - Kyrgyzstan
    - Republic of Korea

    - Belarus
    - Serbia
    - Cuba
    - Japan
    - Ethiopia
    - Seychelles
    - Qatar
    - Finland
    - India
    - Vietnam

    - Azerbaijan
    - Armenia
    - Greece
    - Singapore
    - Germany
    - Syria
    - Tadzhikistan
    - Uzbekistan
    - Venezuela
    - Sri Lanka

    - Malta
     - Mexico
     - Iceland
     - Portugal
     - Saudi Arabia

    Who is affected?

    Russian and foreign citizens who travel from Russia to the listed countries or vice versa.

    Intermark comments

    We expect that these countries will also be included in the list of countries exempted from entry restrictions for citizens and permanent residents who travel by direct flights from such countries. However, the relevant governmental decree has not been published yet.

    _____________________________

    You can read an original version here.


  • Russia: Reporting on Foreign Bank Accounts

    13 May 2021 11:00 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    On the basis of the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Bellerage Alinga, please note that June 1, 2021 is the due date for submission of cash-flow report on foreign bank accounts for 2020. This report should be submitted by private individuals, which in 2020 had an open account opened in non-Russian banks or other non-Russian organizations of the financial market, if they meet all the following criteria:

    • Private individual is a Russian currency resident (i.e. Russian citizen or has a permanent Russian residence permit);
    • Private individual spent more than 183 days in Russia during 2020;

    It should be mentioned that the private individual is not obliged to submit this report if:

    • the account is opened in a bank located in Eurasian Economic Union or in a country which participates in the automatic exchange of financial information with Russia, and
    • the amounts of credit / debit and year-end balance do not exceed 600.000 RUB.

  • Canada-Russia Mining Working Group 2021

    23 Apr 2021 1:59 PM | Vera Dedyulya (Administrator)

    April 23, TORONTO - On April 22, 2021, the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association hosted over 80 participants at the Canada-Russia Mining Working Group. The event was held as part of the 2021 CERBA Eurasia Mining Series. 

    Among the working group participants were Evgeny Tanin, Deputy Director of Geology Policy and Regulation of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, who discussed subsoil code legislation issues and developments; Viktor Snezhko & Vladimir Khalenev of the Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI), who informed regarding the accounting and monitoring procedures of speculative mineral resources in the Russian Federation; Mikhail Zheleznyak of the Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Lukas Arenson, President of the Canadian Permafrost Association, who discussed possible avenues of Canada-Russia cooperation in permafrost studies, permafrost hydrology, and engineering geology. 

    The event was positively received by the participants and contributed to the deepening of the Canada-Russia cooperation in the mining sphere.

    “I left with a sense of commonality; I found the Russian businesses challenges and initiatives mirrored those in Saskatchewan.  The networking session after the event allowed me to connect with persons I would have never met – it allowed me to build contacts across the world with the similar resource developments in potash, uranium, diamonds, and oil." – commented Eric Anderson, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA).

    The CERBA Mining Series are sponsored by CERBA members: Kinross Gold, Metalloinvest, B2Gold, and Cameco. 

    For further information and/or inquiries, please contact Toronto Deputy Regional Director Vera Dedyulya at vera@cerbanet.org.

  • COVID-19 in Russia: Additional Entry Options for Foreigners from Green Listed Countries

    21 Apr 2021 5:45 AM | Anonymous

    Dear CERBA Members and Partners,

    According to the information kindly provided by CERBA Corporate Member – Intermark Relocation, please be informed that in accordance with the governmental decree No. 963-p dated 14 April 2021, citizens and permanent residents of "green listed" countries may enter Russia by direct flights from any green listed country.

    The changes took effect on April 16, 2021.

    What are the changes?

    1. Previously, such nationals were allowed to enter only by direct flights from the country of their citizenship or permanent residence. Now they may enter by flights originating from any green listed country.

    2. Citizens and permanent residents of Belarus may enter Russia by flights from Belarus as well as by flights from green listed countries.

    Intermark comment

    Foreigners from green listed countries with suspended or limited direct flights to Russia (currently the UK, Turkey and Tanzania) may benefit from the change by taking a flight to Russia from another green listed country.

    Kindly pay attention that the "green list" is a formal list approved by the Russian government, which currently includes 29 countries. Belarus is not on the list but its citizens and permanent residents enjoy the same right to enter Russia by air flights.

    _____________________________

    You can read an original version here.