The diplomacy of Chisinau has warned Moldovans to refrain from traveling to Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova reports that recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases where citizens are subjected to extensive checks at the border.
At the same time, Moldovan diplomats received information about cases where individuals in administrative detention in Russia were pressured to sign contracts for enlistment in the Russian army.
According to the MAE, the ones particularly targeted are men aged between 18 and 60 years old, individuals who hold recently issued passports, who have previously traveled to Ukraine, who are traveling alone or also hold the citizenship of the Russian Federation.
The authority signals that Moldovans may be subjected to checks and questionnaires that can last between three and 12 hours, temporary retention of travel documents, as well as requests to sign agreements regarding the processing of personal data and the authorities’ access to mobile phones, computers or other electronic devices, reports newsmaker.md.
“There have been reported cases where refusal to sign these documents led to denial of entry into the Russian Federation or the application of administrative measures; examination, copying or downloading of data stored on electronic devices, photographing and fingerprinting,” warned the MAE.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also maintains that there have been cases where individuals were asked to consent to polygraph testing. Refusal to comply with these requests may lead to denial of entry into the Russian Federation or the imposition of other administrative measures.
Citizens of the Republic of Moldova who are facing difficulties are encouraged to contact, as soon as possible, the diplomatic mission or the consular office of the Republic of Moldova.