Moscow: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Tuesday defended the country's immigration policy, saying the introduction of visas for the former Soviet republics would finally push them away out of Russia's sphere of influence.
"We will lose them then," he said, adding that Russia will weaken as a result.
Visas will have a number of negative consequences for Russia, which may affect Russia's economic development, production and living standards, he warned.
Law-abiding people coming to Russia should not be affected while restrictions should only target illegal immigrants, Putin said.
Over 70 percent of Russians approve of a stricter migration policy, including criminal penalties for violating immigrant law, polls have shown.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, February 07, 2012, 23:24