Migrants with unexpunged or outstanding criminal convictions will be barred from obtaining Russian citizenship or residence permits.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the relevant law.

Under the new legislation, foreign nationals with an unexpunged or outstanding conviction for any crime committed either in Russia or abroad—provided it is recognized as a criminal offense under Russian law—will be denied Russian citizenship, as well as temporary or permanent residence permits.

The law also requires foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residency to submit a criminal record certificate. Certain categories, including recognized refugees and individuals granted political or temporary asylum in Russia, are exempt from the new restrictions, provided they retain their protected status.

The new provisions will enter into force 180 days after their official publication.