Friday, March 23, 2007
Big Brother
Well, the good news is that my registration has been prolonged for yet another year. This is the last time, by the way. Next year I will have to apply for a permanent residence permit (instead of the temporary one I now have).
It turned out it we did need more documents than they'd made us believe (see previous post). Thankfully, we came prepared and were carrying a whole shitload of documents and photocopies, as opposed to the 2 or 3 we were supposed to turn in. Here's what was required in the end:
- one application form that tells them I'm still here
- one form from Olga about her agreeing to put up with me at her apartment
- a copy of the deed on her apartment
- a declaration from Olga saying she's ready to support me financially (since I don't work here officially)
- Olga's pay slip for the last year
Actually, Olga was the one who took care of everything, so I can't tell you what the official was like, but, believe me, her comments weren't complimentary. Apparently, she (the official) didn't even read or otherwise verify the documents we supplied.
None of that really matters, anywho, because I got me a brand new stamp in my passport.
Also, in order to leave the country (if all is well, we're coming to Belgium from April 16 till May 13), I had to supply them with the following:
- one letter in which I ask permission to leave the country and promise to be back in time
- photocopy of my passport
- photocopy of my visa (which, thank God, I have for the entire duration of my residence permit, which is 3 years)
- photocopy of my migration card.
Finally, I was told to inform the authorities (either by phone or in person) when I get back!
Can you believe any of this? Wait! That's not all.
Unfortunately, my passport expires soon, so, on our way to Belgium I plan to pick up a new one at the Belgian embassy in Moscow. When my old passport expires (somewhere in July), I will have to get a stamp at some other place and then go back for another stamp to the place where we did all of the above.
So, I guess I won't be left without things to write about! Actually, I should be grateful to the Russian authorities: at least they inspire me to keep this blog up to date!
Reading: same as last time. It's quite good, actually. I doesn't have any elves, dwarves, goblins and other otherworldly creatures you meet in "Lord of the rings", but that doesn't make it less thrilling.
It turned out it we did need more documents than they'd made us believe (see previous post). Thankfully, we came prepared and were carrying a whole shitload of documents and photocopies, as opposed to the 2 or 3 we were supposed to turn in. Here's what was required in the end:
- one application form that tells them I'm still here
- one form from Olga about her agreeing to put up with me at her apartment
- a copy of the deed on her apartment
- a declaration from Olga saying she's ready to support me financially (since I don't work here officially)
- Olga's pay slip for the last year
Actually, Olga was the one who took care of everything, so I can't tell you what the official was like, but, believe me, her comments weren't complimentary. Apparently, she (the official) didn't even read or otherwise verify the documents we supplied.
None of that really matters, anywho, because I got me a brand new stamp in my passport.
Also, in order to leave the country (if all is well, we're coming to Belgium from April 16 till May 13), I had to supply them with the following:
- one letter in which I ask permission to leave the country and promise to be back in time
- photocopy of my passport
- photocopy of my visa (which, thank God, I have for the entire duration of my residence permit, which is 3 years)
- photocopy of my migration card.
Finally, I was told to inform the authorities (either by phone or in person) when I get back!
Can you believe any of this? Wait! That's not all.
Unfortunately, my passport expires soon, so, on our way to Belgium I plan to pick up a new one at the Belgian embassy in Moscow. When my old passport expires (somewhere in July), I will have to get a stamp at some other place and then go back for another stamp to the place where we did all of the above.
So, I guess I won't be left without things to write about! Actually, I should be grateful to the Russian authorities: at least they inspire me to keep this blog up to date!
Reading: same as last time. It's quite good, actually. I doesn't have any elves, dwarves, goblins and other otherworldly creatures you meet in "Lord of the rings", but that doesn't make it less thrilling.
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