The Russian government has faced criticism from Western leaders for restrictions imposed on rights groups and NGOs operating in the country, and the issue is often cited as an example of Russia's alleged "backsliding" on democracy. In particular, an April law imposed more stringent and complicated financial reporting and registration requirements for NGOs.
"Our mistake is that we have not assigned one of our employees to each organization," Sergei Movchan said jokingly.
The activities of the offices and affiliates of foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Russia who fail to submit documents detailing their work by October 18 will be suspended, the registration service said earlier.
Movchan said the NGOs law came into force April 18, while the first foreign non-governmental organization submitted documents only July 10.
Movchan said many organizations submit documents with written, stylistic or factual errors, which prevents them from being registered.
He said registration will continue even after October 18.
