Kazakhstanis face mass restrictions in Russia: MP highlights serious issue

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakh companies engaged in international road transport are increasingly facing restrictions imposed by Russia. New visa rules have put tens of thousands of drivers and transport firms at risk, MP Bolatbek Aliyev reported.
Changes in Russian legislation
Following amendments to Federal Law No. 115-FZ (as of August 8, 2024), foreign citizens entering Russia without a visa are allowed to stay in the country for no more than 90 days within a calendar year.

"This rule does not take into account the specifics of international road transport. Our drivers are in another country performing their work duties, not for personal reasons. However, the new requirements effectively place them in violation of Russian law," the MP wrote on Facebook.

He added that many drivers have already encountered this problem. Since time spent in Russia and Belarus is counted cumulatively, even transit through Belarus counts toward the 90-day limit.
Border issues and authorities’ response
Long queues at borders with the European Union and at the Russia-Kazakhstan border exacerbate the problem. Drivers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other regional countries are forced to wait for days for clearance, all of which counts toward the 90-day limit.

"For this reason, I sent an official appeal to Vice Prime Minister Serik Makashevich Zhumangarin, who oversees integration and cooperation within the EAEU. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal Affairs were also informed to develop a mechanism to protect our carriers in advance," Aliyev wrote.

Risks for Kazakhstan’s transport market
According to the appeal, the issue has moved from theory to practice: Kazakh carriers are losing the ability to operate routes through Russia and Belarus. If restrictions remain, this could lead to a shortage of transport, increased costs, and displacement of Kazakh companies by Russian and Belarusian competitors.
By contrast, Kazakhstan has a more flexible regime for foreign drivers. According to paragraph 6 of the Rules for Entry and Stay of Immigrants (Government Resolution No. 148 of January 21, 2012), stay limits (90/180 days) do not apply to international and transit drivers of freight and passenger vehicles.

"Kazakhstan has exempted foreign carriers from such requirements, ensuring stable and safe transport connections. I believe this issue should be raised to the level of the Eurasian Economic Commission and addressed within the framework of a partnership dialogue between our countries. Our carriers should not become hostages of uncoordinated decisions," Aliyev concluded.

Previously, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport reported that border queues were linked to stricter controls by Russia, including intensified cargo inspections, longer inspection times, and additional document, sanitary, and phytosanitary checks.