In an effort to enhance migration control, the Russian government is planning to introduce a digital profile for foreigners. This system aims to better track the movements of foreign workers and ensure security within the country.
The digital profile is envisioned as a counterpart to COVID QR codes, but with a more extensive dataset, including real-time tax information. For instance, a police officer scanning such a code would instantly see if the individual has not paid taxes for the past two months, indicating a discrepancy with their labor migrant status and purpose of visit - work.
Additionally, the system will incorporate biometric data such as fingerprints, which will be collected upon arrival at the airport. The development of this system is expected to be completed by December 2024.
Looking at how technologies are used to monitor migrants in other countries, the United States annually attracts a significant number of migrants, including refugees seeking asylum from armed conflicts or persecution in their home countries. Recently, due to political instability, the number of refugees has further increased.
Over two million people in the US are awaiting the federal government's decision on granting them asylum, including citizens from Tajikistan. The asylum process typically takes years, with the majority of applications ultimately being rejected.
Apart from the US, a similar pilot project has been launched in the UK, sparking public debate. Initially conceived as a humane alternative to detaining migrants awaiting court decisions, some rights advocates question the use of GPS trackers as an invasion of privacy, especially as authorities do not provide clear information to migrants about the data being collected.
China has made significant strides in digital monitoring with its social credit system, although the extent to which migrants are included remains unclear. Initially introduced for businesses to assess each other as potential partners, the system expanded to cover all citizens. The rating ranges from 1 to 1000 points or letter grades from A to D, with 'A' denoting exemplary citizens and 'D' representing highly unreliable individuals.
Maintaining a high rating offers benefits such as easier access to credit, favorable mobile tariffs, and hotel reservations without prepayment. Profiles with high ratings are also more visible in Chinese dating apps.
Although migrants are officially excluded from the rating system in China, local residents can report on illegal migrant activities or other violations through a police mobile app and receive a reward upon verification of the information.
The digital monitoring landscape continues to evolve globally, raising questions about privacy, transparency, and the balance between security and individual rights.
