Discussed new regulations for migration policy by Volodin
Fresh Take:
Here's the Lowdown on Russia's Tough New Migration Policy
Gearing up for a heated debate, the Russian State Duma is preparing to scrutinize a bill this week that aims to tighten the nation's migration policies. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced the review on Telegram, as reported by RT.
"We're diving into the discussion on a new bill that aims to refine Russia's migration policy starting this week," Volodin said.
Migrant Tracking Measures
Under the proposed bill, regional and municipal education authorities will be required to share student data with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This includes personal details, test results, enrollment and dismissal records, and data from the controlled persons registry. In return, the Ministry will inform educational authorities about the migration registration of foreign citizens' children.
"Knowing where migrant children are attending school will help ensure they're adhering to the rules and staying clear of trouble," Volodin stressed.
In addition, Russian language proficiency tests will be compulsory for foreigners, and the results will be recorded in a federal information system.
Legalizing Guesthouses in Altai Krai
A pilot project to legalize guesthouses in Altai Krai may be on the horizon as part of the bill. The initiative aims to bring small hospitality businesses out of the shadows, potentially offering greater oversight and taxation benefits for the Altai region.
While the details surrounding this aspect of the bill are less clear, the potential legalization of guesthouses could provide a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry.
Taking a Closer Look
Dive into the nitty-gritty of the proposed bill, and you'll discover stringent measures aimed at controlling and monitoring migrant populations—particularly in Moscow and the Moscow region. Here's the lowdown:
Mobile App Registration Pilot
From September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2029, all foreign migrants except for specific groups (minors, diplomats, and Belarusian citizens) will be required to register via a special mobile app. This app demands consent for the processing of personal data, including geolocation data, biometric information, fingerprints, and regular submissions of proof of location. Failing to comply with these requirements could lead to being added to the National Register of Illegal Migrants, which can have serious consequences—including restrictions on changing residence, marriage, property or vehicle ownership, and employment opportunities.
Additional Restrictions
While the mobile app registration provides a means of tracking migrants, additional measures aim to increase oversight. Proposals include limiting migrants to registered one SIM card, requiring in-person contract signing with biometric verification for mobile services, and potentially deporting children if they fail Russian language exams after three attempts.
Implications
As the bill moves forward, it's crucial to consider its broader repercussions. The proposed measures represent a significant step toward digital surveillance of migrants, with possible human rights concerns and economic implications for both migrants and Russia as a whole. While some argue that the measures serve as necessary safeguards against terrorism, espionage, and cybercrime, others question their fairness and legitimacy.
- The upcoming review of a bill by the Russian State Duma involves discussions about policy-and-legislation and politics, as it aims to refine Russia's migration policy, including stricter controls and digital surveillance of migrants.
- The proposed bill in Russia's policy-and-legislation landscape also contains aspects related to general-news, such as the potential legalization of guesthouses in the Altai Krai region, which could have implications for the local tourism industry.
