Students from Russia may be allowed to stay in Estonia after studying

The Estonian parliament can allow graduates of universities with Russian citizenship, who is fluent in the Estonian language, to stay in the country. Since August, students fought for the right not to return to Russia after graduation.

On July 30, the Estonian government adopted a decree that the country no longer issues visas and permits for a residence permit to study Russian citizens. Students were allowed to finish studying without extending a residence permit. They did not agree with this and created a petition.

"We, students in Estonia, foreign students from Russia, urge to reconsider the restrictions introduced, since we believe that this measure not only does not help stop the war in Ukraine, but also breaks the fate of many innocent people," the text of the petition says.

The authors of the petition indicate that many students criticized the Russian authorities and helped Ukrainian refugees, for this they may face criminal prosecution in Russia.

The petition gained the required number of signatures for consideration in Riigikogu (the highest representative and legislative authority in Estonia- approx. Ed.). At the end of November, students were invited to a meeting of the foreign affairs commission. The meeting took place in Estonian. Members of the commission were understandable to the requests of students, but explained that they would resolve the issue in the government of the country.

-My personal perception is such that after what Russia does with Ukraine over these months, I do not wait for any privileges addressed to a foreign state. But the problem is that I can’t return to Russia, I do not want and I'm afraid. This fully applies to most students from Russia that I know here. The sanctions are aimed at ensuring the security of the country, and I support this idea with all my heart, but I can’t agree that students threaten this security, ”said North. Reali, Doctor of Tartu University Polina Oskolskaya.

The decision of the parliament states that in Estonia there are 202 citizens of Russia with an educational view of the residence permit, in 164 people - a residence permit in 2023. The country's authorities came to the conclusion that for these people we can make an exception and extend it with a residence permit. Now the decision of the Riigikogu should be approved in the government.