Russia: Officials order departure of eight Japanese and three Norwegian diplomatic staffers as of April 27

Event

Russian authorities declared eight Japanese and three Norwegian diplomatic staffers to be personae non gratae April 27. Officials ordered that the Japanese diplomats leave Russia before May 10 and did not immediately provide a time frame for the expulsion of the Norwegian diplomatic staff. The move comes in response to the prior expulsion of Russian diplomats from the two countries.

Some disruptions to consular services are possible at the Japanese and Norwegian diplomatic missions in Russia over the coming weeks. Japan and Norway may take retaliatory diplomatic actions over the short term, possibly resulting in a further reduction of available consular services in each country; however, core services will likely be maintained while diplomatic missions remain open.

Context

Several governments have expelled numerous Russian diplomats in recent weeks in connection with the conflict in Ukraine. Multiple governments have cited espionage and national security concerns, among other reasons, when expelling Russian diplomats. For their part, Russian authorities have recently expelled diplomats from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and the EU in response to these nations' expulsions of Russian diplomats.

Advice

Reconfirm appointments at Japanese and Norwegian diplomatic missions in Russia. Contact missions in advance to ascertain the availability of required services, as well as wait times.