Eased visa regulations for highly qualified foreign specialists came into force in Russia on Tuesday.
The Russian government began easing its complicated visa system for foreign specialists last year in a bid to steer Russia's economy away from an unhealthy dependence on oil and gas and boost the innovation sector.
Foreign specialists (those who earn more than 2 million rubles [$68,000] a year) are already entitled to three-year visas for themselves, their spouses and children. Now their parents, grandparents and grandchildren will also be granted visas.
The government has also broadened its definition of a highly qualified specialist to include foreigners working in the education sector who earn 1 million rubles ($34,000) a year, and anyone working at the Skolkovo hi-tech research hub under construction outside Moscow.
MOSCOW, February 15 (RIA Novosti)