On October 4, 2007, proposed changes were introduced for the procedures for obtaining and maintaining long-term visas (that go beyond the term of a tourist visa). The new regulations are not yet finalized, and the interpretation of the decree is yet to be set. But here is the summary.
The current "religious workers" visa, as well as the business multi-entry visa, is valid for one-year. However, over a period of 180 days, all visa-subject foreign nationals will be limited to stays of 90 days over a 180 day period. This means that an American missionary church planter or Bible school teacher could spend only about half of his time (90 days of 180; six months of the year) in Russia.
In my case, I've never tried to stay more than two weeks at a time in Moscow; I continuously commute in / out of Russia without trying to take up residence. But for some this regulation would apply to our former missionary teachers at the seminary who, for all intents and purposes, taken up residence in Russia.
In a more subtle change, in order to renew the visa the Westerner would have to apply for the visa in a country of his permanent residence. That is to say, a missionary in Russian cannot simply go to Finland or any neighboring country of his choice to apply for a new visa. More than likely, he'll have to go back to his home country.
In my case, I have the German "green card". I could apply for the visa in both America or Germany. But most missionaries who have been lived in Russia have not set up residence in a nearby European country.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Hello, I am a missionary in Moscow and am dealing with the new visa laws. I was just curious to hear from you if you have learned of any new options since your last post? Any help would be great!
First be clear about what the new visa regulations are. Even though the new religious workers visa is can be valid for up to one year, one can only be in Russia for 90 days in a period of 180 days. If you choose to block them all together, that means you stay three months and have to leave for three months. In my case, I actually reside in Germany and commute to Russia on a regular basis (roughly once a month and stay for about a week). This allows me to use the visa for the entire 12 months that it is valid.
The best solution that I've seen so far is to apply for a work/residency permit in Russia. You would have to find an organization that would sponsor you. Furthermore, your income would go through the organization's payroll structure. Your income would face Russian taxes (both income and social security taxes) -- which is somewhat steep for foreigners coming new into the system. Not every organization has the proper credentials to hire foreigners -- that is something we're working through at the seminary, too.
Mike and Lucy,
I have a more detailed answer that I'll be glad to share via email. Drop me a line at tomrosson AT gmail.com
Post a Comment