Russia may limit migrants to a single SIM card

A new bill proposed by Yaroslav Nilov, head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs, seeks to ban foreigners from using multiple mobile phone numbers. The proposal, reported by TASS, aims to strengthen national security and improve control over foreign nationals' communication activities.

According to Nilov, the measure responds to growing global threats, including terrorism, espionage, fraud, and cybercrime. He emphasized that with increasing population mobility and globalization, it is vital to introduce tighter restrictions on the use of SIM cards by foreign nationals and stateless persons.

"Currently, the law allows these individuals to register up to 10 SIM cards. This is a significant number, and we believe it poses potential risks," Nilov stated.

Under the existing regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2025, foreigners are already prohibited from registering more than 10 phone numbers in their own name. They can only sign contracts with mobile operators by visiting offices in person, presenting valid identification, and submitting biometric data.

Meanwhile, from April 1, 2025, new regulations for Russian citizens came into force, limiting them to 20 SIM cards. Before providing services, telecom operators must verify subscriber data using the Unified Identification and Authentication System (USIA) and the Unified Biometric System (UBS), as required by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media.

Similar initiatives are emerging in neighboring countries. In Kazakhstan, authorities are preparing to implement a system that will issue mobile numbers exclusively through the government portal. Deputy Minister of Digital Development Askhat Orazbek explained that the measure is intended to combat phone scams. The ministry is expected to present the legislative proposal soon.