Estonia allows some Belarusians, Russians to extend stay despite sanctions

May 18, BPN. The Estonian government has decided to allow some Belarusian and Russian nationals to stay longer in the country despite sanctions over Ukraine.

The exemption applies to students, doctors and scientists who arrived before Russia’s war with Ukraine began on February 24, 2022 and who speak Estonian with confidence. Academics do not need to meet the language requirement.

The Estonian government said today that 298 Belarusian and Russian students are studying at its universities this academic year and are affected by the sanctions. Of them, 78 are in Estonian-language programs.

The government said the exemption does not guarantee a residence permit and each case will be reviewed individually. It said the move does not undermine the sanctions’ goal of limiting new arrivals from Belarus and Russia.