Armenia in talks with Russia to extend truck drivers' stay

Armenia has formally asked Russia to extend the maximum stay of foreign nationals in the country from 90 to 180 days, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told lawmakers on Tuesday.

According to Papoyan, Moscow has given an initially positive response, and a draft legislative proposal is already under internal consideration in Russia. The issue is expected to be discussed at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) meeting on October 24.

The move follows protests by Armenian truck drivers against a recent change to Russia’s migration rules. Under amendments to Article 115 of the federal law, foreign citizens are allowed to remain in Russia for only 90 days within a year. Drivers say the restriction unfairly affects those involved in freight and passenger transport, leading to fines and bans on re-entry.

Over recent weeks, truckers have staged demonstrations outside the Armenian government building and at border crossings with Georgia, including Bagratashen, Gogavan and Bavra, urging authorities to secure an exemption or an extension to the 90-day limit.