Russia cuts migrant work permits by 22% in early 2026

Russia recorded a significant decline in the issuance of work permits to migrants from visa-free countries in the first quarter of 2026, according to data cited by the newspaper Izvestia.

Figures from the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System (EMISS) show that approximately 475,000 patents were issued between January and March, marking a 22% decrease compared with 606,100 issued during the same period last year. In 2025, the number had risen by 10.5% year-on-year.

The distribution of migrant workers remains concentrated in key regions. The Central Federal District accounts for the largest share, with more than 258,000 patent holders. The Northwestern Federal District hosts around 60,000, while about 39,100 are located in the Volga Federal District.

At the regional level, Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region, along with St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, remain the main hubs for migrant labour. Around 146,100 patent holders are in Moscow, approximately 84,000 in the Moscow region, and 51,700 in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

According to the report, the decline had been anticipated. It follows a surge in 2025, when a temporary policy allowed migrants — including those who had overstayed — to regularise their status until September, leading to a spike in issued patents. Once the measure expired, issuance levels dropped.

Additional downward pressure came from new regional restrictions limiting migrant employment in sectors such as retail, taxi services, delivery, and passenger transportation.

By Tamilla Hasanova