The necessity of verification measures for foreign citizens at the Russian and Kazakh border is linked to the ongoing terrorist threat, with Russian border guards maintaining direct contact with foreign partners. This was stated in a comment by the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, regarding the entry of Tajik citizens into Russian territory, as posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website.
Zakharova emphasized that in order to enhance anti-terrorism measures, Russian law enforcement agencies are conducting more thorough checks on foreign citizens entering the country strictly within the framework of Russian legislation.
"As a result, delays in passport control are being observed at border checkpoints, including at several airports. The Russian side is taking comprehensive measures to promptly resolve the situation. We count on understanding," the statement reads.
Zakharova highlighted that these actions are temporary and are taken regardless of the national affiliation of the entering individuals. She noted that there have been no changes in the list of reasons for imposing entry bans to the Russian Federation, and additional obstacles for foreign citizens crossing the state border are absent if all necessary documents are provided.
However, the diplomat underscored that media reports exaggerating the number of vehicles stuck at border crossings are misleading, as reported by TASS.
"Moreover, more than 40% of foreign citizens aim to leave Russia through these checkpoints after 90 days (out of the 180 allowed) to immediately return and thus gain the opportunity to stay in the country for another 90 days," the comment stated.
Earlier, following a meeting between the Deputy Head of the Tajik Foreign Ministry, Sodiq Imomi, and the Russian Ambassador, Semen Grigoryev, the Tajik side expressed concern to Russia regarding media reports of "unjustified cases of denial" of Tajik citizens entering Russia.
On Saturday, April 27, the Tajik Foreign Ministry recommended that citizens of the country refrain from traveling to Russia by all means of transport unless absolutely necessary.
