Russia shields foreign army recruits from expulsion

Russia has introduced a ban on the administrative expulsion of foreign nationals and stateless persons who have served in its armed forces, allowing them to remain in the country even if they commit minor violations.

The legislation, signed by President Vladimir Putin on Monday and published on the government’s legal portal, amends the Code of Administrative Offenses. It replaces deportation for veterans with fines or compulsory community service.

Under the new rules, eligible foreigners who commit administrative offenses can be sentenced to between 100 and 200 hours of compulsory work or ordered to pay an administrative fine instead of being ordered to leave Russia.

The exemption from expulsion applies specifically to individuals who have served under contract in the Russian armed forces. Under earlier rules, foreign nationals could be expelled from Russia for administrative offenses, and military service did not give them any special status.

The measure follows another law Putin signed in early March, which prohibits the extradition of foreign citizens who have served or are serving in Russian military units.

Foreigners were granted the right to sign contracts for service in the Russian army in November 2022, with stateless persons gaining that right in July 2023.