On 24 April 2020, Russia scrapped the long-existing requirement that foreign workers from visa-free countries exit and re-enter the country, before being eligible to reapply for a simplified work permit (locally termed "patent"). 

The exit-and-reenter requirement was formalized in the Russian immigкation law by the limitation on the number of renewals of the annual permit. Renewable only once, the permit was thus valid for two years maximum. To be able to apply for a new permit, the foreign national had to include in the application package proof of travel outside of Russia. 

The April amendment scrapped the once-only renewal cap, thus making exit-and-reentry unnecessary to renew permit. It enters into force on 5 May, with a view to allow registered labor migrants to work in Russia legally, given the travel limitations imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Only nationals of selected countries are able to enter Russia visa-free and qualify for a "patent". 

The patent system was introduced in the Russian Federation starting 2015 (see the related GTA 7793).