1 Jan 2013 16:21

Putin signs into law bill toughening liability for violation of migration law

MOSCOW. Jan 1 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill aimed at toughening liability for illegal entry into Russia, the official legal information web portal says.

The law amends Russian Criminal Code Articles 150 and 151 criminalizing the crossing of the border by a foreign citizen knowing that he or she is barred from entering the country.

Such a foreign citizen or a person without citizenship would now face a fine of up to 300,000 rubles, or compulsory labor for up to 4 years, or imprisonment of the same duration.

If this deed is committed by a group of people by previous concert or with the use of violence, its members can face up to 6 years' imprisonment.