MOSCOW (Realist English). The parliamentary faction of A Just Russia has submitted a package of bills to the State Duma seeking to impose significantly tighter controls on labor migration, including the abolition of Russia’s long-standing patent system for foreign workers. The initiative was announced by faction leader and party chairman Sergey Mironov, Russian news agency TASS reported.
Mironov said the proposals would replace the patent regime with a system of centrally organised recruitment, under which foreign citizens would receive permission to work only for a specific employer. Any transfer to another company would be strictly prohibited, and violations would lead to expulsion from Russia, he said.
He added that the stay of low-skilled foreign workers in the country should be limited to the duration of their employment contract. “After the contract ends, the worker must leave Russia, and the employer must ensure their return travel — including in cases of forced deportation or court-ordered removal,” Mironov stated.
The draft legislation also seeks to shift all migration-related financial obligations to employers. Companies hiring foreign workers would be required to cover expenses for migration registration, work permits, accommodation and health insurance.
Mironov said the party proposes blocking foreign workers recruited under the new system from obtaining residency permits or Russian citizenship, and restricting the entry of their family members. “The arrival of close relatives — spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters — must be strictly prohibited,” he emphasised.
Under the proposed rules, all foreign workers would also be subject to mandatory state fingerprinting and photographing within 30 days of arrival.
