Russia proposes deportation of migrants for discrimination offences

Russia's State Duma has approved in the first reading a package of bills aimed at tightening migration controls, including expanding the list of administrative offences that could lead to the deportation of foreign nationals.

The proposed legislation would increase the number of deportable administrative offences from the current 22 to 45, more than doubling the list after amendments were introduced, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Among the newly added offences are discrimination—defined as violating a person's rights, freedoms or legitimate interests based on sex, race, skin colour, nationality, language, age, religion or other characteristics—and failure to comply with a lawful order or demand from military personnel performing duties related to protecting Russia's state border.

Separately, lawmakers are expected this week to consider legislation regulating labour migration. According to media reports, foreign nationals with unpaid fines or violations of migration rules recorded in their official profiles would automatically lose access to Russia's labour market.

The State Duma also plans to review the list of professions in which foreign nationals may work without obtaining a work permit under the country's quota system.

In addition, lawmakers have announced a separate bill that would significantly increase tax and administrative fees for migrants applying for official documents. The proposal also introduces tougher criminal penalties for producing and selling forged medical certificates confirming the absence of dangerous diseases.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov