ISLAMABAD: Russia has introduced a new visa initiative aimed at attracting highly skilled foreign professionals, creating what experts describe as a significant opportunity for talented individuals from countries including Pakistan. Introduced on April 15, the policy is meant to help the country gain highly valued foreign nationals by giving them strategic importance as “Impatriates”.
This visa program facilitates permanent settlement of highly skilled professionals by providing a simplified approach. The participants are provided with permanent residency rights while being exempted from certain rules like Russian language test and knowledge about its history.
As some of the important advantages offered through this program include getting residency permits within 30 days and eliminating quota system for getting temporary residency permits. Moreover, work visa is not needed to be obtained in case the applicant is willing to work in Russia.
The program also includes immediate family members of the applicant who can enjoy all facilities related to residency rights under this program.
According to the authorities, preference would be accorded to applications coming from the following eight categories: scientists and researchers, highly skilled professionals in the field of Information Technology (IT), microelectronics, energy, and manufacturing industries, investors, and entrepreneurs with successful businesses. Among others, candidates holding degrees from reputable universities around the world, representatives of the arts and culture, outstanding athletes, and those working in defense and security sectors are also considered eligible.
The process of application includes three stages, starting with the submission of applications through a non-profit organization sanctioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The second stage entails verification, while the third phase comprises evaluation and review by a special working group under the presidential citizenship commission.
According to officials, the process of review by different layers helps in increasing transparency in the entire procedure, which is usually completed within 95-125 days.
Experts say the move indicates that the country aims at attracting international talents and boosting various economic sectors amid evolving geopolitics.
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