Russia’s State Duma tightens requirements for migrants working in Russia

Russia’s State Duma has passed a government bill introducing additional requirements for labor migrants in Russia. The changes amend the law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation,” TASS reports.

“A legal framework has been formed that will allow the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other agencies to effectively implement migration policy in the interests of the country, our citizens, and to restore order,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma.

According to the document, authorized agencies are now required to monitor migrants’ income. Tax authorities will automatically send the MIA information on migrants’ earnings over three-, six-, nine-, and twelve-month periods, while migrants themselves must annually submit an income statement, tax return, or documents confirming payment of taxes.

The law also expands the list of grounds for revoking a temporary residence or residence permit. Grounds for revocation will include working fewer than the established minimum hours over the course of a year, or earning income below the subsistence minimum per family member. In the event of a violation, foreigners will not have their work patent or work permit renewed, and they and their relatives will be required to leave Russia within 15 days.

In addition, the children of labor migrants will only be allowed to remain in Russia for the duration of their parent’s work permit, and subject to payment of an advance personal income tax payment. Upon turning 18, migrants’ children will be required to leave the country within 30 days or apply for a patent themselves.

As a reminder, in late June, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, signed a law increasing state fees for migrants. Fees for foreigners rose across several categories: the fee for obtaining a Russian passport will rise from 4,200 to 50,000 rubles; for a temporary residence permit: from 1,920 to 15,000 rubles; and for a residence permit: from 6,000 to 30,000 rubles.