Several key changes impacting Russian citizens, particularly pensioners, are scheduled to take effect in June 2025. These changes span various sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and social benefits, aiming to enhance security, convenience, and access to services.
A significant change involves a ban on using foreign messengers by banks, telecom operators, marketplace owners, and government agencies for informing citizens. This measure aims to enhance data security and control communication channels within Russia.
Furthermore, amendments restrict the transfer of SIM cards registered to a specific person only to close relatives, as defined by the Family Code. This action seeks to curb fraud committed using other people’s SIM cards.
In the financial sector, suspicious money transfers will be suspended for up to 10 days by Rosfinmonitoring if there are suspicions of fraud, money laundering, or extremist financing. This measure aims to combat illegal financial activities and protect citizens from fraud. Additionally, the Gosuslugi portal will only accept applications to lift a self-ban on obtaining a loan that are confirmed by an enhanced qualified electronic signature, offering a higher degree of protection against unauthorized access to personal data. Also, SMS messages with confirmation codes from “Gosuslugi” will arrive only after a person completes a telephone conversation.
Regarding healthcare, pharmacies will not be able to sell expired medicines, with a mechanism launched to check drug information in the national labeling system. Automatic blocking will apply to drugs whose sale has been suspended by the Ministry of Health. Simultaneously, pharmacies will be included in the healthcare system, allowing pharmacists to receive social benefits and preferences akin to healthcare workers.
Changes also affect the education sector, with the university admission campaign starting on June 20, allowing applicants to submit documents in person or remotely through the “Admission to a University Online” service. The admission of children to the first grade at the place of registration ends on June 30.
Pensioners will experience changes as well, with law enforcement agencies gaining the right to independently determine pension payment methods, offering options like bank cards, deposits in any Russian bank, or postal transfers. Pension payment days will also be adjusted, with those scheduled after June 12 receiving payments early due to Russia Day.
Lastly, Russians working a five-day week will enjoy a short working week from June 12 to 15 inclusive, coinciding with Russia Day celebrations.