US embassy to Russia to cut consular staff by 75%

The US Embassy in Russia will reduce consular staff by 75% amid the ban on hiring foreign nationals, the diplomatic mission said on its website on Friday, Report informs, citing TASS.

"We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75%, and will endeavor to offer to US citizens as many services as possible," the statement reads.

The US Embassy in Moscow has also reported that due to restrictions introduced regarding embassy staff, the number of consular services provided would be reduced effective May 12.

"Effective May 12, US Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," the statement said.

The embassy is suspending non-immigrant visa processing for non-diplomatic travel.

"Non-immigrant visa processing for non-diplomatic travel will cease," the message reads.

The embassy also said that US citizens, who are in Russia with expired visas, should leave the country by June 15.

"If you are a US citizen present in Russia and your visa has expired, we strongly urge you to depart Russia before the June 15 deadline set by the Russian government," the statement says.