Russia expands expulsion grounds for foreigners from 22 to 45 offenses

Law No. 294-FZ came into force on Tuesday, doubling the list of administrative offenses that may result in foreigners being expelled. The list now includes petty hooliganism, violations of public-event rules, disobeying police and discrediting the army; for some offenses, expulsion can no longer be replaced with a fine.

From November 3, 2026, foreigners and stateless persons may be expelled from Russia for 45 types of administrative offenses—twice as many as before. The Interior Ministry’s Main Directorate for Migration Affairs said that Federal Law No. 294-FZ of August 4, 2026, amending the Code of Administrative Offenses, enters into force on that date. Until now, according to State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, this measure was provided for under 22 articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

According to the Interior Ministry, the list now includes, among other offenses, petty hooliganism, violations of the established procedure for holding public events, disobeying a police officer’s lawful demand and discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. The new grounds also include discrimination, abuse of freedom of mass information, incitement of hatred or enmity, calls for restrictive measures against Russia, its citizens and companies, and disobeying the demands of military personnel guarding the state border.

Passport control area at Sheremetyevo Airport terminal

Expulsion without an alternative

The law has also expanded the list of violations for which expulsion cannot be replaced by another punishment. The Interior Ministry clarified that this includes administrative offenses related to the illegal trafficking of drugs. Life.ru reported that, for most of the new offenses, expulsion is provided for after the first violation, and holding a patent, temporary residence permit or residence permit does not provide protection from it. The stricter sanctions do not apply to violations committed before November 3.

At the same time, the lower and upper limits of fines for violations of migration legislation have been increased. The ministry said the changes are intended to make the expulsion of foreigners who pose a threat to public safety more effective and strengthen liability for migration-related offenses.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Russia expands expulsion grounds for foreigners from 22 to 45 offenses