In 2020, the number of foreigners who received Russian citizenship sharply increased

The department explained the increase in the number of those who received Russian citizenship with the simplification of the procedure for its acquisition by certain categories of foreigners. First of all, this concerns citizens of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

In addition, every sixth foreigner in Russia has a residence permit or a temporary residence permit, the Ministry of Internal Affairs says. At the same time, the number of foreign citizens living in Russia has decreased in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Of the 6 million foreigners staying here, 1 million people have a temporary residence permit or a residence permit. Previously, 9-11 million citizens of foreign countries lived in Russia.