In Novosibirsk, migrants are prohibited from working in certain sectors

The Novosibirsk region has decided to restrict the labor activities of migrants in the area.

The governor of the Novosibirsk region signed a decree on October 2, 2025, which prohibits business entities engaged in activities from attracting foreign citizens working based on patents in certain types of economic activities in 2026.

Now, labor migrants, the majority of whom work based on patents, cannot work in the following areas:

1. retail trade in beverages in specialized stores;
2. retail trade in tobacco products in specialized stores;
3. activities of other land passenger transport;
4. activities of road freight transport;
5. activities of social canteens, buffets, or cafeterias (in offices, hospitals, schools, institutes, etc.) based on subsidized meal prices;
6. preschool education;
7. activities in the field of sports.

It is also noted that business entities engaged in economic activities in the aforementioned areas must dismiss all employed migrants within two months from the date the decree comes into force.

So far, this decision applies exclusively to the Novosibirsk region. The decree does not mention the construction sector, where migrants from Central Asian countries typically work. Apparently, there are no restrictions for migrants in this sector. However, according to the migrants themselves, working in construction is also not easy, as the cost of patents has significantly increased.

On Wednesday, a Tajik migrant from Novosibirsk told Azda TV on condition of anonymity that he is aware of this decision, but it has not yet come into force. He stated that he holds Russian citizenship. According to him, most migrants also try to obtain citizenship to avoid issues with documentation. However, he noted that there have been many more restrictions for migrants compared to previous years.

Previously, the Moscow city government and some governors of Russian regions had already made similar decisions, prohibiting migrants from working in certain economic and social sectors. Russian authorities explain such decisions as “improving the economic and social situation of citizens” and “prioritizing Russian citizens in employment.”

Experts believe that measures to restrict the working and living conditions of migrants, especially those from Central Asian countries, began after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This war could not help but affect Russia’s economic situation. However, experts believe that after the armed attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, where most of the suspects turned out to be migrants from Tajikistan, the restrictions intensified.