Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws introducing stricter financial requirements for foreign workers, as Moscow continues to tighten migration controls affecting millions of labour migrants, particularly from Central Asia.
Under the new law, foreign workers will be required to earn enough to support both themselves and their dependent family members at or above the regional subsistence minimum in the region where they work. Authorities will monitor migrants' income through tax and employment records. Workers who fail to meet the requirement could lose their work permits and face a shortened period of legal stay.
The legislation also requires foreign workers applying for work permits to make advance personal income tax payments covering both themselves and their minor children. Those who fail to comply risk having their permits refused or cancelled and may be required to leave Russia with their children within 15 days unless they have other legal grounds to remain.
In a separate law, Russia has significantly increased state fees for migrants. The cost of applying for Russian citizenship, temporary residence permits and permanent residency has risen sharply, while employers will also pay higher fees to obtain permits to hire foreign workers.
The latest changes are expected to affect around six million foreign nationals currently living in Russia. According to Russia's Interior Ministry, the majority are labour migrants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, while Kazakhstan also remains a major country of origin. Workers from the South Caucasus, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, are also expected to be affected, although in smaller numbers.
The legislation forms part of a broader tightening of Russia's migration policy. Since 2024, lawmakers have adopted 27 migration-related laws aimed at strengthening migration controls, increasing oversight of foreign workers and tightening residency requirements.
Earlier this month, Russia also introduced mandatory pre-registration through the RuID mobile application for citizens of visa-free countries entering the country for work or other temporary purposes. Travellers must now submit their details electronically and obtain a QR code before arrival, a measure that applies to citizens of several Central Asian and South Caucasus countries.
Russian officials say the latest reforms are intended to improve migration management, reduce pressure on public services and ensure foreign workers are financially self-sufficient. However, migrant labour remains essential to sectors including construction, transport, logistics and municipal services, where Russia continues to face persistent labour shortages.
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