"Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Decree 'on temporary measures to resolve the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Russian Federation amid the threat of the further spread of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)," the statement said.
Additionally, Putin signed a decree extending the ability of foreign citizens to stay temporarily in Russia until 15 June.
The Kremlin’s press service also stated that employers in Russia will be able to hire foreign citizens who do not have a valid work permit until that date. The decree adds that no foreign citizen in Russia will be deported or otherwise ordered to leave the country.
President Putin also tasked the Defence Ministry with drafting proposals on the possible use of special forces to fight the coronavirus until 22 April.
The measures come amid the coronavirus pandemic that infected 36,793 people and left 313 dead, according to the official data updated at 10:30 Moscow time.
