Germany is simplifying the asylum procedure for Russians who oppose the war and need protection.
Such people will be granted a long-term national visa, which gives the right to live and work in the country and further obtain a residence permit.
German Interior Ministry spokesman Sascha Lawrenz said that the issuance of visas has already begun and is expected to be “quick and without red tape”.
Germany considers human rights defenders and employees of organizations that have been declared undesirable in Russia, individuals “foreign agents”, as well as all scientists, cultural figures and journalists who oppose the war in Ukraine, lawyers who defend dissidents in courts, representatives of the extra-parliamentary opposition and their supporters to be in the high risk category.
All of them will be able to move to Germany with their families not only from Russia, but also from other countries: for example, from Georgia or Armenia, where many opponents of the war have gone.
Candidates will be approved by the Ministry of the Interior.