Putin Signs Laws For Citizenship, Migrant Laborers

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws simplifying procedures for Russian speakers in the former Soviet Union to obtain Russian citizenship and on obligations for migrant laborers working in Russia. 

According to ITAR-TASS on April 21, the law on citizenship makes it possible for any Russian-speaking person "who has consistently been living, or has relatives who have consistently been living or earlier were living on the territory of the Russian Federation, including the territory of the Russian Empire or USSR," to obtain Russian citizenship.

The law promises the procedure for receiving citizenship is simpler and faster than before.

Another law Putin signed obligates migrant laborers to know the Russian language, Russian history, and the basic facts about Russian laws.

Migrants must prove such knowledge when applying to extend their residency permits in Russia.

http://www.rferl.org/content/putin-signs-laws-for-citizenship-migrant-laborers/25356458.htm