Russia Proposes Tougher Rules for Foreign Workers and Their Families

A new draft law in Russia could change how foreign workers and their families live and work in the country. Vyacheslav Volodin, a senior lawmaker, has proposed stricter rules for migrants, including tighter controls on income, residency permits, and family stays. The bill aims to ease pressure on Russia's social services while increasing oversight of foreign nationals. Under the proposed law, foreign labour migrants would need to pay a fixed advance fee for themselves and any dependents living in Russia. Those who fail to report their earnings—or earn less than the subsistence minimum—could lose their work patents or permits. The same penalty applies if a migrant works fewer than 10 months in a year.

The bill also shortens how long migrants and their families can stay in the country. Their residency would now match the length of their employment contract. Children of foreign nationals who turn 18 would have just 30 days to leave unless they secure another legal basis for staying. Tighter rules would apply to temporary residence permits and permanent residency. Authorities could revoke these if migrants do not meet the new income or employment requirements. The draft law has been sent to the Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots for further review.

If passed, the law would introduce stricter financial and legal checks on foreign workers in Russia. Migrants and their families would face shorter stays, higher fees, and a greater risk of losing residency rights. The changes are designed to reduce the burden on Russia's social systems while enforcing closer monitoring of foreign nationals.