Kazakhstan May Deport Russians Who Obtained Residence Permits with Fake Documents

Several foreign media outlets have reported that a criminal investigation is underway in Kazakhstan regarding the illegal issuance of residence permits. According to the reports, Russian citizens may also be involved in the case, reports Radio Azattyq.

Sources cited by human rights defenders from “Slovo Zashchity” and organizations that assist Russians who moved to Kazakhstan due to the war say the investigation is being conducted by Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (KNB). According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, dozens of Russian citizens of conscription age have been questioned as witnesses in the case.

Reports indicate that the investigation began at the end of February, with three to four people being questioned during each round of interviews. Human rights advocates say that if it is proven that residence permits were obtained using fraudulent documents, those permits could be revoked and the individuals may be deported from Kazakhstan.

Some Russian citizens who contacted the “Kovcheg” project admitted that they had arranged migration documents through intermediaries who turned out to be fraudsters. However, they are unlikely to face criminal charges; instead, their residence permits may simply be cancelled. If a person has stayed in Kazakhstan illegally for more than a year, they could be deported.

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee has not yet provided an official comment. Meanwhile, First Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev dismissed reports of “mass deportations” as rumors.

He stated that applications from foreigners seeking refuge in Kazakhstan are reviewed in accordance with the law, and any decision to deport Russian citizens would only be made after all legal procedures are completed.

According to Ashikbayev, the exact number of people who could potentially be returned to Russia is unknown. Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection reported that 176 people had applied for refugee status in the country, though their nationalities were not specified.