Azerbaijani couriers barred from working in Russia's St Petersburg

From November 3, foreign couriers have been blocked from accessing the Samokat and Yandex Food delivery apps in St Petersburg, effectively preventing them from taking new shifts or accepting orders.

The restrictions apply to citizens of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Moldova and Ukraine who were working in the city under patent-based employment permits, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The move follows a decree signed in August by St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov, banning migrant workers from employment in courier services.

Similar restrictions were earlier introduced in the taxi industry, with companies given three months to adjust their staffing policies.

City authorities said the decision was aimed at tackling illegal employment, improving the quality and safety of services, and creating more job opportunities for Russian nationals, particularly young people and students.

By Aghakazim Guliyev