Eurasian Economic Commission to address controversial entry regulations amid protests

The Armenian authorities are working to resolve the problems faced by freight transporters following the entry regulation changes in Russia.

Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson Narek Sargsyan told Armenpress that authorities are focused on addressing the concerns raised by truck drivers.

He said that the matter will discussed by the Eurasian Economic Commission – the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union – this week.

“The issue raised by truck drivers is at the center of the attention of the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The matter is being discussed with our Russian partners regarding extending the number of days to 180. The issue has also been included in the agenda of the Eurasian Economic Commission Council meeting scheduled for October 24,” Sargsyan said.

Armenian freight transporters are encountering serious difficulties following changes in Russia’s migration policies. Numerous drivers have received notifications banning them from entering Russia for periods ranging from 3 to 10 years for violating the 90-day stay policy.  Under previous regulations, citizens of visa-free countries — including Armenia — were allowed to stay in Russia for up to 180 days within a one-year period.

However, recent changes in Russia have reduced that allowance to just 90 days, which is insufficient for freight drivers who regularly work there.

Truckers have been staging protests against the decision. Some drivers even briefly blocked the interstate highway near the Basra, Bagratashen, and Gogavan border crossing points on the international border with Georgia as a form of protest.