A new bill proposed by the Ministry of Labor in Russia aims to regulate labor migration, with a focus on organized recruitment of workers. The bill outlines the responsibilities and rights of employers, as well as rules for attracting foreign workers to Russia. The document proposes limiting the validity of work permits to two years, with the possibility of renewal if the need for the employee persists.
Under the current legislation, labor contracts with foreign citizens in Russia can be indefinite or fixed-term. The bill suggests that a specially created company will be responsible for the targeted recruitment of migrants. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will oversee the presence of foreign citizens in Russia, while a state organization in the form of a public legal company will act as the operator for organized recruitment.
The model of organized recruitment is designed to become the preferred hiring mechanism for employers. Yaroslav Nilov, the head of the labor and social policy committee, expressed support for stricter migration laws, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of foreign workers in the country.
Nilov also highlighted the need for strict control over the movement and stay of migrants in Russia, advocating for a request-based labor migration principle. The government has introduced several bills to tighten migration laws, including one that restricts the use of maternity capital funds for migrant children.
The Institute of Demographic Research estimates that there are up to 4 million illegal migrants in Russia as of February this year. Experts stress the importance of carefully evaluating each migrant and controlling labor migration strictly. With diverse origins of labor migrants, including highly skilled professionals from European countries, targeted recruitment is deemed necessary.
Vladimir Iontsev, an expert in population studies at Moscow State University, believes that Russia needs a new migration policy to address demographic challenges. With the majority of migrants coming from Central Asia, he emphasizes the importance of considering the countries from which migrants are invited. As Russia navigates its demographic landscape, attracting foreign workers remains essential for its economy.
