Migrants barred from taxi, delivery jobs in St Petersburg to boost local workforce

Alexander Beglov, Governor of Saint Petersburg, has signed a decree prohibiting migrants from working as taxi drivers and couriers until the end of 2026.

“The ban for 2026 (on migrant employment in taxi and delivery services) has been extended in consideration of state security and economic interests. The decision was coordinated with the Saint Petersburg tripartite commission on regulating social and labor relations. Extending the ban next year will not negatively affect the labor market but will help combat informal employment and improve the quality and safety of taxi and courier services,” the statement said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The measure is also intended to create additional job opportunities for Russian citizens, including youth and students.

The press release noted that an analysis of the 2025 implementation of the restrictions showed that the share of foreign nationals who obtained work patents for “car driver” and “courier” positions was minimal both in terms of the total number of patents issued and the total workforce in the city’s economy.

During a direct line with residents on December 9, Beglov highlighted that the number of migrants in Saint Petersburg has nearly halved over the past year. At the same time, the city has not experienced a collapse or sharp increase in service prices.

By Vafa Guliyeva