Federation Council senators have approved a law obliging new Russian citizens to serve in the Armed Forces, Interfax reported Wednesday.
The legislation, expected to come into force on Aug. 1, 2013, is aimed at increasing the number of personnel in the Russian army if a shortage of conscripts arises.
The number of soldiers in the army could increase by up to 1,000 annually, due to the introduction of the measure.
It will also be used "to halt the immigration of citizens who don't want to fulfill their civic duty to the Russian federation," according to an explanatory note accompanying the bill.
Previously, new Russian citizens could not be obliged to serve in the army.
Similar legislation already exists in Armenia and Israel.
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