The authorities in the Tver region have expanded the list of prohibitions on the attraction of foreign labor. This was reported by TASS, referencing a decision by the regional government. Starting in 2025, migrants will be banned from working in 82 types of economic activities.
“The list has more than doubled—from 36 to 82 sectors. A complete ban is introduced for 52 types of activities, while restrictions apply to specific professions in 30 areas,” the statement clarifies.
The complete ban will affect the following sectors:
- provision of electric energy, gas, and steam;
- withdrawal, purification, and distribution of water;
- publishing and television activities, broadcasting;
- software development and computer technologies;
- scientific research, veterinary medicine, tourism, activities of non-profit organizations.
Restrictions also apply to the production of computers, vehicles, furniture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, meat and fish processing, dairy products, baked goods, and other products.
Restrictions on professions will affect crop production, animal husbandry, fishing, production of feed, paper, petroleum products, vehicles, electrical equipment, and repair and installation of machinery.
According to representatives of the Tver regional government, the restrictive measures aim to reduce the number of foreign citizens employed in the region's economy and to support the local labor market.
Additionally, following immigration raids, more than 130 migrants will be expelled from Russia. Over 100 individuals who were in Russia illegally have already been placed in the Ministry of Internal Affairs' special reception center prior to deportation.
Similar work bans in certain sectors of the economy have already been implemented in the Irkutsk, Omsk, and Moscow regions of Russia.
According to a Headhunter survey, 80% of Russians believe that there are too many migrants living in their regions. Over the past year, the proportion of respondents who answered this way has increased by 21 percentage points. This sentiment was most commonly expressed by Russians from four sectors: transport and logistics (92%), automotive business (91%), and construction (85%).
At the same time, 53% of companies report a shortage of labor forces sourced from abroad. According to estimates from the Russian Ministry of Labor, the demand for skilled specialists in the Russian labor market will reach 2.4 million by 2030.
Tightening Migration Policy
Russia is rapidly tightening its internal migration policy. For example, in March, the Russian Ministry of Labor proposed deporting labor migrants who work outside their designated roles and requiring them to obtain a special document for temporary labor activities.
“Moreover, if such a worker expresses a desire to work at another enterprise that is not part of the organizational recruitment, they will have to leave the territory of the Russian Federation within 15 days,” noted the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation.
In April, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs proposed reducing the stay of migrants to 90 days within a year. Foreigners may have their rights limited without electronic confirmation of their legal status.
In July, the Russian State Duma passed a law regarding a new regime for expelling foreign citizens who do not have legal grounds for their presence.
In September, new procedures for foreigners were introduced at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport. Starting October 1, they are required to be photographed and have their fingerprints taken upon passport control.
Additionally, a draft law is being prepared that would prohibit labor migrants from bringing their families into the country.
“As for relatives and families already here, they should wait in the country from which the person arrived,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of Russia. “There is no need to bring everyone here,” he added.
The deputy also noted that the living conditions for workers should be organized by the receiving enterprise.
Earlier, Spot reported that the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is lamenting the outflow of labor resources from production to delivery services.