Russia plans to reduce the number of labor migrants

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation proposes to reduce the allowable share of foreign workers in nine types of economic activities in 2026. In particular, in some sectors, they want to completely prohibit people without Russian citizenship from working.

According to the ministry’s press service, the share of foreign workers in construction will be limited to 50%, while in 2025 it was no more than 80%.

In the sectors of vegetable growing, wholesale trade in timber raw materials, timber and lumber, as well as in forestry and logging, wood processing, and the production of wood and cork products, the limit will be no more than 40%, whereas previously it was up to 50%.

The Ministry of Labor of Russia also proposes to reduce the share of migrants in the service sectors.

It is also proposed to restrict the employment of migrants in the retail trade of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in specialized stores, reducing their share from 15% to zero, as well as in catering organizations, where now at least half of the jobs must be provided to employees with Russian citizenship.

The draft resolution developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Russia notes that in the Amur region, in 2026, the work of migrants in the production of food products and beverages, repair of machinery and equipment, and veterinary activities for agricultural animals will be completely restricted.

Previously, authorities in some regions prohibited labor migrants from working in passenger transportation and catering. However, some of these regions faced a shortage of workers and drivers, and residents complained about delays in public transport.

Earlier, the Ministry of Labor put forward for public discussion a provision prohibiting the hiring of foreign workers without knowledge of the Russian language in the service sector, proposing to limit the employment of foreign citizens from visa countries without knowledge of the Russian language in professions that involve social interaction and communication with citizens of the Russian Federation.

Disputes over the prohibition of migrant employment in certain sectors of the Russian economy have become more acute in recent years.

After the attack on the “Krokus City Hall” building, in which migrants were suspected, anti-migrant sentiments in Russia have intensified. The country’s authorities, along with nationalist groups, conduct “raids” on the streets, in dormitories, cafes, and markets, where migrants are treated poorly and beaten.

According to the migrants themselves, Russian law enforcement agencies annul residence permits and other documents of individuals from Central Asian countries if they refuse to go to war against Ukraine. In addition, during this time, several new laws have been proposed and adopted in the State Duma that further worsened the situation of migrants.