Russia mulls new rules for migrants, says Putin's envoy

Boris Titov, the Russian president’s special representative for relations with international organisations on sustainable development goals, has stated that Russia is considering conducting reforms on migration policy.

“When the same issue is raised from different sides, it means that the topic has matured and requires a solution. Recently, our president did not rule out the possibility of reforming migration policy, referring to the potential abolition of the labour patent system. Our idea has finally taken root,” Titov noted, Caliber.Az reports via a Russian newspaper.

“Coincidentally, exactly two years ago, while still serving as business ombudsman, I submitted a proposal to Vladimir Putin to make some changes. Later, we developed this topic within the political council of ‘New People,’ which I chair. The main idea was one: the labour migration patent system has outlived its usefulness and has become a source of social tension. Neither businesses, nor the public, nor the state are satisfied with it,” he added.

He believes that the situation in Russia is such that the migration policy satisfies no one — businesses are unhappy with the lack of transparent and clear administrative procedures for hiring foreign labour. The public expresses irritation: social tension is growing in society, and cultural conflicts are increasing in schools, added the special representative.

The state is also dissatisfied with the situation and tightens inspections, sometimes taking measures against migrants that lead to diplomatic protests, Titov lamented.

Titov is confident that the solution lies in a clearer differentiation of entry regimes.

He explained that for short-term stays — up to one year — the rules should be as simplified as possible, but exclusively for work: “The families of such workers should remain in their home countries. For stays longer than a year, additional requirements should be introduced, primarily testing for knowledge of the Russian language. “

“Moreover, migrants and their family members should study the language before arrival, especially children who plan to attend Russian schools,” Titov clarified.

He emphasised that in both scenarios, a pre-arranged work contract should be a key condition for entry.

“Today, many arrivals cross the border and then start looking for work on-site, which creates chaos. Employers who invite a foreign worker should bear full responsibility for their living conditions, medical care, and, if necessary, deportation costs. Such an approach would establish a natural balance of interests among businesses, society, and the state, reduce tension, and give migration policy predictability,” Titov concluded.

By Khagan Isayev