ISW: Kremlin tightens migrant control to satisfy ultranationalist factions

Russian authorities are implementing stricter control measures over migrants in the country, in a bid to ensure domestic political stability while appeasing the country’s ultranationalist factions.

US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates in its latest report that this move is seen as part of the Kremlin’s effort to manage growing internal tensions and safeguard its political power, per Caliber.Az.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Russian Federation has introduced a new migration regime as of February 5, 2025, imposing stringent restrictions on migrants, particularly targeting those who have committed criminal offences or lack proper documentation.

Under the new regulations, migrants will be required to register with Russian authorities, submit their geolocation data and photos to the MIA on a regular basis, and obtain explicit permission from the Ministry to engage in basic activities. These activities include buying real estate, driving a vehicle, accessing banking services, and travelling outside their designated regions.

Furthermore, the law empowers the MIA to deport migrants without trial if they violate these restrictions. It also penalizes individuals or organizations that provide services to undocumented migrants.

Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, highlighted that crimes committed by migrants remain a “serious problem” for both authorities and the public. He pointed out that the number of court cases involving migrants increased by 18% in 2024, reinforcing the narrative that migrants pose a significant security threat.

The ISW believes that Bastrykin’s remarks further strengthen ultranationalist claims, which argue that migrants are contributing to rising crime rates, travelling “uncontrollably” across the country, and undermining Russian security. The Institute states that the Kremlin's actions, including the new migration regime and Bastrykin's rhetoric, demonstrate a clear effort to appease Russia's pro-militarist, xenophobic ultranationalists who are pushing for tougher measures against migrants.

“These efforts are also aimed at mitigating potential internal security risks associated with rising anti-migrant sentiment,” the ISW report notes. “However, they do not address Russia’s broader labour shortages or its ongoing economic struggles, which have largely been alleviated by migrant labor.”

In summary, the Kremlin is focusing its efforts on containing the rising anti-migrant sentiment while attempting to suppress the economic realities that make migrant labour essential to Russia’s economy.

By Tamilla Hasanova