The Federal Law aims to strengthen and develop ties between the Russian Federation and compatriots living abroad.
The term ”compatriots living abroad“ is redefined in the new edition of the Federal Law in such a way that it no longer automatically applies to all persons who in the past lived in the former USSR. At the same time, the law clarifies the procedure for being recognised as a compatriot, which is based on the principle of self-identification. The new version of the Federal Law On Russian Federation’s State Policy toward Compatriots Living Abroad excludes the provisions for issuing on behalf of the Russian Federation of documents (certificates), confirming that an individual is recognised as a compatriot.
In addition, the Federal Law specifies the procedure for representing the interests of compatriots living abroad in government bodies of the Russian Federation, and clarifies the principles and objectives of state policy toward compatriots living abroad, including support in the areas of culture, education and information. The law also states that the assistance to voluntary relocation to the Russian Federation of compatriots living abroad is to be provided in line with a relevant state programme.