Russia’s Interior Ministry has proposed reducing the maximum period of stay for professional drivers from CIS countries and Georgia if those states decide to apply for European Union membership.

The proposal would change the rules for citizens entering Russia without a visa, according to TASS.

Since June 30, long-haul truck drivers from CIS countries and Georgia have been allowed to stay in Russia for up to 180 days. Previously, the maximum period was 90 days.

In its explanatory note, the Interior Ministry said it considers potential EU membership applications by CIS states and Georgia to be inconsistent with the objectives of the Eurasian Economic Union and a potential threat to Russia’s national security.

If approved, the draft government resolution would reduce the maximum period of stay for citizens of the affected countries to 90 days within a calendar year.