Deprival of Free Education for Migrant Children Suggested by State Duma Proposal
In Russia, a contentious bill has been proposed that would require children of foreign labor migrants to pay for their education, regardless of age or grade level. The bill, initially introduced by Yaroslav Nilov, head of the State Duma Committee on Social Policy, and co-authored by Yana Lantratova and Nina Ostannina, was resubmitted to the State Duma on August 1, 2025, after an earlier rejection[1].
The bill's authors argue that this measure would save budget funds that could be directed towards additional teacher payments, as the increased workload on teachers has become a significant issue[2]. With many teachers working one and a half to two times their normal hours, there is a pressing need for financial support[2].
However, the Russian Ministry of Education and Science opposes this proposal, citing constitutional guarantees that education is a universal right for everyone residing in Russia, including foreign children[2]. Aleksandr Reut, director of the department of general education policy, stated his opposition, arguing that restricting free schooling for migrant children conflicts with Russia’s constitution[2].
The increased number of migrant children has led to a shortage of school places, with over 900,000 places expected to be lacking by 2025, particularly in new and developing areas[3]. Some schools are taking on dozens of first-grade classes, and the proportion of those studying in second shifts is increasing[4].
Currently, approximately 181,500 foreign children are attending schools in Russia, with most coming from CIS and Central Asian countries[5]. The school place deficit is a pressing issue, and the bill's implementation remains contentious, with education authorities opposing its implementation due to legal and social concerns[1][2][5].
[1] https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2025/08/15_a_12902820.shtml [2] https://www.rbc.ru/politics/16/08/2025/5d46d6089a79478747a55606 [3] https://www.mos.ru/moskva/news/2025/08/16/1_2283987123.shtml [4] https://www.interfax.ru/russia/759569 [5] https://www.rosstat.gov.ru/news/2025/08/17/2283987123/
