Russian lawmakers propose major overhaul of labour migration rules

“A Just Russia” party has submitted a package of bills to the State Duma aimed at reforming labour migration in Russia, including a proposal to abolish the current patent system for foreign workers.

Faction leader Sergei Mironov said the reforms would replace the patent system with a system of organised recruitment, under which foreign workers would be tied to a specific employer and prohibited from transferring to other companies. Violations of this rule could result in expulsion from Russia, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

Mironov added that the length of stay for low-skilled foreign workers would be limited to the duration of their employment contracts. After the contract expires, the worker would be required to leave the country, and the employer would be responsible for ensuring their departure, including in cases of forced deportation or administrative expulsion.

The proposed legislation would also obligate employers to cover all costs related to registering foreign employees with migration authorities, obtaining work permits, providing housing, and paying for medical insurance.

Mironov emphasised that migrants recruited under this system would not be allowed to obtain residence permits or Russian citizenship, and the entry of close family members—including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings—would be strictly prohibited.

In addition, the bills propose mandatory state fingerprinting and photographing of all foreign workers within thirty days of entry into Russia.

By Sabina Mammadli