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US embassy in Russia to reduce consular services

The embassy will reduce its consular work force by 75%

US Embassy in Moscow Andrei Makhonin/TASS

US Embassy in Moscow

© Andrei Makhonin/TASS

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. The US embassy in Moscow will reduce consular services starting on May 12, according to a message published on the embassy’s website on Friday.

"Effective May 12, US Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas. These service reductions are necessary due to the Russian government’s April 23 notification of its intention to prohibit U.S. Mission Russia from employing foreign nationals in any capacity. Non-immigrant visa processing for non-diplomatic travel will cease," the message reads.

According to the embassy, "provision of emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia may also be delayed or limited due to staff’s constrained ability to travel outside of Moscow."

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The embassy recommended that US nationals whose Russian visas are about to expire should leave the country "before the June 15 deadline set by the Russian government" or visit a local Ministry of Internal Affairs office to start the necessary paperwork.

"We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75%, and will endeavor to offer to U.S. citizens as many services as possible," the US embassy added.

On April 15, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order imposing sanctions against Russia. In particular, the document "prohibits US financial institutions from participation in the primary market for ruble or non-ruble denominated bonds" issued by Russia’s Central Bank, Finance Ministry and National Wealth Fund after June 14. In addition, the US Treasury Department sanctioned 16 entities and 16 individuals "who attempted to influence the 2020 US presidential election at the direction of the leadership of the Russian Government." Sanctions have also been imposed on five individuals and three entities related to Crimea, including members of the regional government. Besides, the US announced the expulsion of ten personnel from the Russian Embassy in Washington DC.

On April 16, Russia announced retaliatory measures. The US ambassador was recommended to return to Washington for consultations. Ten US diplomats were told to leave Moscow and a procedure was launched that will prevent US diplomatic missions from hiring Russian and third country citizens. Moscow also imposed an entry ban on eight current and former US high-ranking officials and persons responsible for developing and implementing anti-Russian policies.

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