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A record number of Russians can't leave the country because of unpaid debts

Source: Meduza

The number of Russians banned from leaving the country because of overdue unpaid debts has reached its highest level in recent years, according to data released by the Federal Bailiff Service. There are currently more than 2.3 million Russians who can’t travel abroad because of unpaid debts in excess of 30,000 rubles ($480) or unpaid alimony greater than 10,000 rubles ($160).

Introduced in 2005, the travel restrictions last six months once imposed and can be extended repeatedly. Federal officials have forbidden 1.6 million new debtors from traveling abroad since the beginning of the year.

The Federal Bailiff Service’s director declared this month that debtors can reclaim their travel rights in just 23 minutes by repaying their debts. It turns out, however, that this is merely how long it takes to notify the Federal Security Service, which makes the final decision to restore a citizen’s ability to leave the country.

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