The Federal Law introduces amendments to the Federal Law on the Consular Charter of the Russian Federation, which aim to eliminate certain gaps in the legal regulation of consular activities and address issues in the related law enforcement practice. The amendments, in particular, are intended to boost the efficiency of certain consular operations as well as the effectiveness of exercising certain powers as regards procedures for acceptance of applicant documents.
In addition, the document replaces the concept of “honorary consul of the Russian Federation” with the concept of “honorary consular officer” and stipulates that the latter shall be classified into the following categories: honorary consuls general, honorary consuls, honorary vice-consuls, and honorary consular agents.