Russia bans Turkish companies from construction, tourism, services for state

MOSCOW

REUTERS photo

Russia will prohibit Turkish companies from construction, tourism, the hotel business and services for the state and municipalities starting Jan. 1, 2016, the Russian government said in a resolution on Dec. 30.

Russia imposed economic sanctions against Turkey after Ankara shot down a Russian military jet near the Syrian-Turkish border on Nov. 24.

According to the updated list, Turkish companies will not be able to construct buildings or work in architecture and design in Russia. The ban also prohibits Turks working in the travel and hotel business. Turkish companies will also be prohibited from receiving Russian state and municipal contracts or participating in forestry and timber processing. 

The sanctions do not apply to contracts that were in place before Jan. 1, 2016, or for the duration of those contracts, Russian media outlets reported. 

“Starting Jan. 1, 2016, the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens holding ordinary passports will be suspended.

Moreover, also starting next year, Russian employers will not be allowed to hire any more Turkish nationals,” said Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at the government meeting on Dec. 30, as quoted by RT News. 

The list makes an exception of 53 Turkish companies working in Russia. 

According to the Kremlin’s website, these are engaged in construction, the auto industry, production of construction materials, polymeric tubes and fittings, plumbing equipment and flooring. The companies not listed in the resolution will be prohibited from hiring Turkish citizens.