President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Monday simplifying the process for foreign journalists and IT specialists to work in Russia, a statement on the Kremlin’s website said.
Previously, to gain the status of a highly qualified specialist, a journalist was required to earn a salary of at least 2 million rubles ($59,000) per year. The new law reduces this sum to 1 million.
Being a highly qualified specialist carries various advantages, including: employment-quota exemptions, residency permits and three-year visas.
The new law was approved by the State Duma on June 11 and by the Federation Council on June 18.
“The Federal Law is aimed at simplifying procedures for employing on Russia’s territory highly-trained foreign experts for Russian organizations operating in the field of information technology, as well as foreign journalists working for media outlets established specifically to disseminate information in foreign languages,” according to the statement.
The statement did not specify when the law would take effect.
See also:
Deaths of Journalists in Ukraine Provoke International Outcry
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.