Putin Makes it Easier for Foreign Journalists in Russia

By The Moscow Times

June 23, 2014

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.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

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 you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue