Forthcoming Changes to Highly Qualified Specialist Program

Companies employing HQS Work Permit holders will have new notification requirements, according to a new law effective January 1, 2015. Additionally, representative offices of foreign companies will be able to sponsor HQS Work Permits for their foreign employees. 

New Notification Requirements for Employers 

Employers will no longer be required to notify the Federal Migration Service of HQS Work Permit holders who take unpaid leave exceeding one month during a twelve-month period, or notify the Tax Authority of the hiring\dismissal of HQS Work Permit holders. 

Instead, employers will have to notify the Federal Migration Service of the hiring\dismissal of HQS Work Permit holders within three business days from the day the employee is hired or terminated. Failure to do so may subject the employer to fines up to 1,000,000 RUB. 

Representative Office Sponsorship 

Additionally, representative offices of foreign companies will be able to sponsor HQS Work Permits for their foreign employees. Currently, the HQS Work Permit is only available to Russian companies and branch offices of foreign companies. 

CIS Nationals’ Entry Update 

Lastly, the new law provides that Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nationals will be able to enter Russia using their international passports only. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Employers should be aware of the new notification deadline of three days from hiring or terminating an HQS Work Permit holder. 

Foreign nationals working for representative offices of foreign companies will soon be able to enjoy benefits associated with HQS Work Permit status, such as faster processing times and longer validity periods. 

The alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected]. 

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