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Russia's migration authority bars 380,000 foreigners from entering Russia in 2013

"Regrettably, some guests have a habit to violate the law, and then they are sincerely surprised when suddenly they are not allowed into Russia," FMS head Konstantin Romodanovsky noted

MOSCOW, November 29. /ITAR-TASS/. The Russian Federal Migration Service this year has barred 380,000 foreigners, who violated migration regulations, from entering Russia, the head of the service, Konstantin Romodanovsky, told Itar-Tass on Friday.

"Regrettably, some guests have a habit to violate the law, and then they are sincerely surprised when suddenly they are not allowed into Russia. Some stay about two months longer in Russia. Some have started to work to do repairs, but for money saving, have not paid for a license... This year many foreigners have been faced with the fact they they are not allowed to arrive in Russia again, and it turns out to be a substantial blow on their wellbeing and welfare of their families. For the present day, entry is closed for 380,000 foreign citizens," Romodanovsky said.

According to the FMS chief, foreigners are barred from entering Russia for three years mainly because of overstaying. The FMS automated information system signals immediately after a person who has violated the regulations crosses the border from Russia, and the person is banned from entering the country for three years. "The system detects law violators, and officers of the migration service monitor the observance of the migration regulations," he said.

The FMS on Friday will start a new information service for foreigners to know whether they are banned from entering.

Before planning a visit to Russia, a person may make inquiries, visiting the FMS official website. It is expected to help foreign citizens find out whether they may arrive in Russia in the next few years, Romodanovsky said.