MOSCOW (Realist English). The rules introduced last year, which expanded police powers to deport migrants out of court, have proven effective. This was stated by State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
According to him, in the first six months of 2026, 43,700 migrants were deported from Russia for violating the law. That figure is 65.5% higher than in the same period last year.
“As analysis shows, the introduced norms are working, and the police are actively exercising these powers,” Volodin emphasised.
How the deportation procedure has changed
Until 2025, deportation as an administrative measure was applied exclusively by court decision. In February 2025, a federal law came into force that authorised the Ministry of Internal Affairs to make such decisions out of court.
This applies to offences for which protocols are drawn up directly by the internal affairs bodies. Since 5 February 2025, a “deportation regime” has also been in effect for foreign citizens who have no legal grounds for staying in Russia.
Expanded grounds for deportation
Volodin recalled that last week a law was adopted that more than doubled the list of articles of the Administrative Offences Code that carry deportation as a penalty.
Previously, such liability was provided for under 22 articles of the Code, including:
- illegal drug trafficking;
- propaganda of paedophilia, gender reassignment, and non‑traditional sexual relations;
- violations of immigration rules and the State Border regime.
Now migrants will be subject to deportation for violations of 45 articles of the Code. New grounds include:
- disobedience to a lawful order or demand of a police officer or a serviceman in connection with the performance of State Border protection duties;
- dissemination online of information that offends human dignity and public morality;
- disturbance of public order;
- public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation;
- calls to impose or extend sanctions against Russia, its citizens or companies;
- discrimination on grounds of sex, race, nationality, language, age, or religion.
Deportation statistics
According to Interior Ministry data cited by Volodin:
- In 2025, 72,000 foreign nationals were deported from Russia for offences, including with a ban on entry.
- In March 2026, almost 14,000 people were deported.
- In the first half of 2026 – 43,700 migrants.
Systematic work by the State Duma
“I stress once again: those who come to Russia must abide by our laws, know the Russian language, and respect our culture and traditions,” the State Duma Chairman said. “And those who wish to become citizens of the Russian Federation must take on the obligation to defend it.”
Volodin also recalled that since 2024, the State Duma has adopted 32 federal laws aimed at improving migration policy. 21 of them were initiated by deputies.
