Kazakhstan is addressing the growing challenges at its border with Russia, where new Russian migration rules have led to long queues of freight transport. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held an emergency meeting with heads of government agencies, the Border Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Migration Service Committee of the Interior Ministry, deputy governors of border regions, and a member of the Majilis, reports Nur.kz.
The main topic of discussion was the accumulation of cargo trucks at border checkpoints entering Russia and numerous complaints from drivers affected by the new migration legislation.
Since January 1, 2025, a new Russian law has limited the stay of foreign citizens in the country without registration to no more than 90 days per calendar year, regardless of the number of entries and exits. Previously, this period was 180 days. The restriction also applies to drivers engaged in international freight and passenger transport. Furthermore, time spent in Belarus is counted jointly with Russia, as the two countries form a Union State.
As a result, drivers from Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are now unable to stay long enough to perform regular transport operations unless they obtain special residence or work permits. The Border Service of Kazakhstan clarified that the limit does not apply to those who have received residence permits, temporary residence applications, or similar authorizations.
In Kazakhstan, similar regulations allow foreign citizens to stay without registration for 90 days within six months, and they do not apply to international transport drivers — consistent with international practice.
The situation has worsened since September, when Russia launched inspections aimed at curbing “grey imports,” leading to longer cargo inspections and additional delays.
Majilis deputy Bolatbek Nazhmetdinuly noted that the new migration rules have affected not only international carriers but also drivers operating within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Many drivers have already exhausted their stay limits and are forced to wait until the new year to resume work. Some who exceeded the 90-day limit have been detained and received notices to leave Russia for violating the new regulations.
Kazakhstan is now engaged in negotiations with Russian counterparts. On October 7, Serik Zhumangarin raised the issue during a meeting with Aleksei Borodavkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Kazakhstan. Both sides expressed readiness to resolve the difficulties promptly and jointly.
The Kazakh side has also sent an official request to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), proposing that the current situation be recognized as a barrier to foreign trade. The issue will be discussed on October 13 at the EEC platform and on November 7 at the 26th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 9, 2025