Pay off debt to get out of Russia?

[vuhtran 1]

Hi VJers! I have a question for the people here. My Russian fiance said that she has to pay off her debts before they will allow her out of the country because it is a new law that went into affect this year. While this is somewhat true for debts that have gone to the courts for litigation, is this true for all debts or only certain type of debts? Does it depend on the amount of debt that is due?

Any insight would be appreciated!

[eekee 182]

this sounds slightly suspicious for me for some reason.

[Bobalouie 0]

this sounds slightly suspicious for me for some reason.

I have heard the same thing, from many different people. I think Kazan may know something about it. It seems like I remember him mentioning it one time. I have heard it referenced to outstanding credit card debt mostly, but dont know if other types of debt are included as well.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Yes, I heard about this a few months ago. The last discussion I had with someone over there resulted in this: Does all debt have to be paid off in full prior to departure? "No, only if there is a court order or it is in current litigation." So, if a Russian citizen has an outstanding balance on a loan or credit card and is in compliance with the payment schedule they can freely leave the country? "Yes".

[Satellite 1]

Yes, I heard about this a few months ago. The last discussion I had with someone over there resulted in this: Does all debt have to be paid off in full prior to departure? "No, only if there is a court order or it is in current litigation." So, if a Russian citizen has an outstanding balance on a loan or credit card and is in compliance with the payment schedule they can freely leave the country? "Yes".

I've got to say this law will still benefit the ladies trying to scam the Westerns! Here is how I'd do it:

Ask for money in order to pay off debts in order ot apply for a Russian passport to start the K1 process. Money arrives, no debt exists, then dump the sucker.

[mox 298]

I've got to say this law will still benefit the ladies trying to scam the Westerns! Here is how I'd do it:

Ask for money in order to pay off debts in order ot apply for a Russian passport to start the K1 process. Money arrives, no debt exists, then dump the sucker.

Meh. Anyone who falls for the this is also going to fall for "my mother is dying and needs $500 for an operation" and other stories. Won't change anything.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I agree. Plus, by the time a couple got the stage of actually filing to start the process, I would think there would be plenty of trust. They've had a meeting or two and should be well past the, "Is she scamming me?" window.

I've got to say this law will still benefit the ladies trying to scam the Westerns! Here is how I'd do it:

Ask for money in order to pay off debts in order ot apply for a Russian passport to start the K1 process. Money arrives, no debt exists, then dump the sucker.

Meh. Anyone who falls for the this is also going to fall for "my mother is dying and needs $500 for an operation" and other stories. Won't change anything.

[Blues Fairy 0]

Does all debt have to be paid off in full prior to departure? "No, only if there is a court order or it is in current litigation."

Correct, plus any unpaid traffic tickets or alimony. The new law is in effect starting February 1,2008. The bailiffs can blacklist such citizens for 6 months maximum, then they are supposed to clear them and inform the customs about this. If the blacklisted person pays the debt, he/she will remain on the list for up to a month. It's useless to try to pay at the exit customs.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Thanks for that addition Blues Fairy. Since my fiancée does not drive or pay alimony, I never asked about those issues! But good to know for any that might!

Does all debt have to be paid off in full prior to departure? "No, only if there is a court order or it is in current litigation."

Correct, plus any unpaid traffic tickets or alimony. The new law is in effect starting February 1,2008. The bailiffs can blacklist such citizens for 6 months maximum, then they are supposed to clear them and inform the customs about this. If the blacklisted person pays the debt, he/she will remain on the list for up to a month. It's useless to try to pay at the exit customs.

[Satellite 1]

Correct, plus any unpaid traffic tickets or alimony.

So someone who is up to date on their alimony payments can leave or does he or she have to pay the entire amount in advance? What about child support is that included in the law too?

[Blues Fairy 0]

Correct, plus any unpaid traffic tickets or alimony.

So someone who is up to date on their alimony payments can leave or does he or she have to pay the entire amount in advance? What about child support is that included in the law too?

They look at any outstanding payments. Child support is included. In fact the most revenue from such exit denials came from citizens who did not pay child support but were thus forced to.

[mawilson 2,133]

Yes, I heard about this a few months ago. The last discussion I had with someone over there resulted in this: Does all debt have to be paid off in full prior to departure? "No, only if there is a court order or it is in current litigation." So, if a Russian citizen has an outstanding balance on a loan or credit card and is in compliance with the payment schedule they can freely leave the country? "Yes".

I've got to say this law will still benefit the ladies trying to scam the Westerns! Here is how I'd do it:

Ask for money in order to pay off debts in order ot apply for a Russian passport to start the K1 process. Money arrives, no debt exists, then dump the sucker.

Or you could just say "Pack your stuff and get ready to go, I'm coming to get you. I'll take care of your debt myself before we leave."

[vuhtran 1]

Thanks everyone for their response to my question. As a follow-up, what department checks up on this? Can you go to that department and request a check be performed on someone ahead of time to know if the system has them red flagged so they can take care of it in advance before trying to leave Russia?

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I would have to speculate the party would already know! The debt has to be in litigation or a court order issued. The debtor would have received a document from the court.

Thanks everyone for their response to my question. As a follow-up, what department checks up on this? Can you go to that department and request a check be performed on someone ahead of time to know if the system has them red flagged so they can take care of it in advance before trying to leave Russia?

[Blues Fairy 0]

Thanks everyone for their response to my question. As a follow-up, what department checks up on this? Can you go to that department and request a check be performed on someone ahead of time to know if the system has them red flagged so they can take care of it in advance before trying to leave Russia?

Федеральная служба судебных приставов (Federal agency of court bailiffs): (495) 620-65-97, then if found a hit check with the regional branch of the agency.