Mikhail Efimkin (MK in Smolensk)
“As long as we are not disturbed, we do not get restless”
Just last year, 15,529 citizens of the Republic of Belarus registered for migration at their place of residence in the Smolensk region, with private purposes – 4,550, for business trips – 130, arrived for education – 959, and for employment – 5,349.
I Stay in Smolensk
Recently, the city administration has been particularly focused on the Belarusian markets that have been spontaneously emerging in Kolkhoznaya Square for many years. However, the border location of our city contributes to the daily arrival of many citizens from Belarus who continue to come to Smolensk, staying here to live and work.
The fact that Russia and Belarus are part of the Union State makes our city very attractive for residents of the brotherly republic. Every year, thousands of young Belarusians come to Smolensk to study, and then they become true Smolensk residents.
- I, like many of my friends, came to study in Smolensk, then got a job as a musician in the Dubrovski Orchestra, which has always been one of the best in Russia, – says Vladimir. – After that, I didn’t want to leave.
From the very beginning, everything went well for Vladimir. The Smolensk Philharmonic took him under its wing, a state organization that handled all the necessary paperwork.
Later, he moved to work in a private company, which added to his concerns. He immediately had to handle everything himself, coming to the registration office every three months to renew his registration with the FMS staff. Now his registration is monitored by the HR department, which reminds him when it’s time to extend it. However, the main difficulty, as Vladimir believes, lies in the frequent changes in migration legislation.
- Every time you come to register again, you constantly discover something new. However, for now, everything is in favor of migrants from Belarus, – Vladimir shares. – For example, before, I had to pay three rubles (if I’m not mistaken) per day for staying in Russia, but now this is not required. Since January 1, 2012, the registration of a working citizen of Belarus in the Russian Federation directly depends on their employment agreement: the longer you work, the longer the registration lasts. In short, as long as we are not disturbed, we do not get restless.
What Does the FMS Say?
To find out what rights and obligations Belarusian citizens have in Russia, we contacted the UFMS. The comment for “MK in Smolensk” was provided by the head of the department for visas, permits, invitations, and registration of foreign citizens of the UFMS of Russia for the Smolensk region, Lieutenant Colonel of Internal Service Irina Karpova:
- Guided by the will of the peoples of Russia and Belarus for unity, relying on the common historical fates, caring for the vital interests of their citizens, and aiming to create a single economic space and democratic development of the brotherly peoples, on December 8, 1999, the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus “On the Creation of the Union State” was signed.
Citizens of the participating states are simultaneously citizens of the Union State. Citizens of the Union State enjoy equal rights and bear equal obligations on the territory of the other participant.
On January 24, 2006, an Agreement was signed in St. Petersburg between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on ensuring equal rights for citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus regarding freedom of movement, choice of place of stay, and residence on the territory of the states – participants of the Union State. Citizens of one Party, regardless of their place of stay (residence), have the right to freely enter, exit, stay, transit, move, and choose a place of residence on the territory of the other Party.
Citizens of one Party arriving on the territory of the other Party are exempt from registration with the competent authorities at their place of stay within 30 days from the date of entry.
The fact of belonging to the citizenship of one of the Parties is the basis for obtaining a residence permit, that is, for submitting an application for a residence permit without taking into account temporary stay and obtaining permission for temporary residence on the territory of the other Party. Applications from citizens of one of the Parties for a residence permit are considered by the competent authorities on a priority basis.
When employed, citizens of the Republic of Belarus are also exempt from obtaining a work permit in the Russian Federation.