Opportunity opens for Pakistanis as Russia unveils new visa scheme

MOSCOW: Russia has introduced a new immigration and residency program to attract foreign experts, which could prove to be a major opportunity for Pakistani experts, businessmen, researchers, and skilled workers.

The new compatriots’ legal status came into effect on April 15 and aims to grant residency in Russia to foreigners who can play a significant role in the country’s economic, scientific, technological, and cultural development.

The program provides applicants with a simple and fast-track path to permanent residency, cutting out the traditionally cumbersome steps.

Notably, the program also waives Russian language and history exams that are usually part of the immigration process.

Eligible applicants can receive a residence permit within about 30 days, and there are no quotas for temporary residence. In addition, applicants can work in Russia without a separate work permit.

The program’s family members, including spouses, children, and parents, can also benefit from these facilities. Thus, the program enables easy migration not only for the individual but also for the entire family.

Russia has prioritized eight key sectors under the program, including scientists and researchers, IT specialists and microelectronics specialists, people with at least five years of experience in the energy and manufacturing sectors, successful small and medium-sized business owners, foreign investors, graduates of the world’s top 100 universities, people involved in the cultural and creative industries, and high-level athletes.

The initiative is part of Russia’s efforts to attract a globally skilled workforce. The overall processing time for the program can be around 95 to 125 days, as it involves a thorough background check and verification process.

However, once approved, a residence permit is issued within around 30 days, making it significantly faster than other immigration programs.

According to experts, people especially involved in information technology, engineering, manufacturing, research, and business sectors can benefit greatly from this policy.