Erroneous Inclusion in the Register of Controlled Foreign Nationals: What to Do If You Are Mistakenly Added and How to Appeal

What is the Register of Controlled Persons and Why Does It Exist?

The Register of Controlled Persons is a special list of individuals considered to pose a potential threat to Russia’s security. This list may include foreign nationals who have violated the law or are suspected of dangerous activities.

However, sometimes innocent people end up in the register due to clerical mistakes, confusion with similar names, or technical errors.

Why You Might Be Added to the Register by Mistake

Main Reasons for Erroneous Inclusion:

Name Confusion – having the same first and last name as someone else
Document Errors – incorrect passport or ID details
Technical Glitches – computer errors during data processing
Inaccurate Information – incorrect data transmitted about you

How to Find Out If You Are in the Register

How to Check	Where to Apply	Response Time
In person	Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD)	30 days
Online application	Gosuslugi portal	30 days
Through a representative	MVD with power of attorney	30 days

Signs You Might Be in the Register:

You were denied entry into Russia
Your visa was canceled without explanation
Your temporary residence permit is not being renewed
You encounter problems applying for Russian citizenship

Step-by-Step Guide to Appealing the Decision

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary paperwork:

Copy of your passport
Identity documents
Police clearance certificates
Documents disproving the basis for your inclusion

Step 2: Write an Appeal

Your appeal should include:

Your full personal details
The reason for your appeal
A request to be removed from the register
A list of attached documents

Step 3: Submit the Appeal

You can submit your appeal:

In person at the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD)
By mail with delivery confirmation
Through a representative with power of attorney
Electronically via Gosuslugi portal

Where to Submit Your Appeal

Main Authorities:

Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) – the main body managing the register
Prosecutor’s Office – for legal oversight
Court – if administrative review was unsuccessful

Contact Information:

MVD Russia: 119991, Moscow, ul. Zhitnaya, 16
Hotline: 8 (495) 667-09-67
Email: info@mvd.ru

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents:

Application for removal from the register
Copy of your passport (all pages)
Documents proving your legal stay in Russia
Police clearance certificate from your home country

Additional Documents:

Letters of recommendation from your employer/educational institution
Proof of income
Documents about your family status
Medical certificates (if needed)

Timeline for Reviewing an Appeal

Review Stage	Duration
Registration of appeal	3 days
Document review	30 days
Decision-making	30 days
Notifying applicant	5 days

What Happens During the Review:

Document Verification – specialists review all your paperwork
Database Check – your information is compared against various registers
Decision Making – a final decision is made on your case

What to Do If Your Appeal Is Denied

Further Actions:

Reapply with additional documents
Contact the Prosecutor’s Office to check the legality of the decision
File a lawsuit in court through the administrative process

Judicial Appeal:

Deadline to file: 3 months from receiving the refusal
State fee: 300 rubles
Case review time: up to 2 months

Tips for a Successful Appeal

How to Improve Your Chances:

Be honest – don’t hide any information
Provide all documents – the more evidence, the better
Consult a lawyer – a specialist will help you prepare your paperwork correctly
Meet all deadlines – submit documents on time

What to Avoid:

Submitting false information
Missing deadlines
Aggressive behavior when dealing with officials
Attempting to offer bribes

Conclusion

Being mistakenly added to the register of controlled persons is a serious but solvable problem. The key is to act quickly and prepare your documents correctly.

Remember: you have the right to appeal, and the authorities are required to review your complaint. Don’t get discouraged if you’re denied the first time — you can go to court.

If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to consult a lawyer who specializes in immigration law. This can help you avoid mistakes and increase your chances of success.