A new government bill is making its way through Russia`s State Duma, proposing the introduction or increase of various state duties (fees) for migrants. This move aims to impact a range of services, from basic registration to obtaining work permits and even vehicle-related administrative actions.
Among the most notable proposed fees is a charge of 4200 rubles for the issuance, reissuance, or extension of a work patent – a crucial document for many foreign workers. This figure represents nearly half the average current cost of the patent itself, which typically ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles. Obtaining a duplicate or making changes to a patent would incur a lesser, but still significant, fee of 2100 rubles. Other services facing new or increased duties include registration at a place of stay, registration at a place of residence, extending temporary stays, and vehicle registration procedures.
The rationale behind these proposals, as outlined by officials like State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, centers on several key objectives. Firstly, the fees are seen as a means to boost budget revenues. Secondly, they are presented as tools for enhanced regulation and control over migrant flows, potentially helping authorities track the actual location of foreign citizens. Ultimately, proponents argue, stricter control and added financial requirements could contribute to reducing illegal migration.
The reaction from various stakeholders offers a multi-faceted view of the potential impact.
Yaroslav Nilov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy, and Veterans Affairs, voiced support for the measure, considering the 4200-ruble fee for a year-long document “normal” and adequate. He views it as a necessary step for revenue, regulation, and accountability, suggesting that patent costs should potentially increase further. Nilov also advocated for more specific patents, perhaps tied to a particular profession (like a welder), rather than the current often-universal permits.
From the employer side, where the financial burden is often expected to land, there seems to be a pragmatic acceptance mixed with concerns. Dmitry Minin, CEO of Atlant construction company, believes the new fees are unlikely to deter migrant workers, primarily because employers frequently cover these costs. However, he highlights a significant concern: the lack of legal protection for employers who invest in obtaining permits for workers who might then leave. Minin, perhaps with a weary sigh characteristic of a sector heavily reliant on this labor, noted that while his company depends on migrant workers for large-scale projects that cannot be completed solely by local staff, paying upfront costs without guarantees feels like a risk. He recalled a time when “grey schemes” were common but notes that such arrangements are now less feasible, making the formal costs, including these new fees, a tangible factor.
Elena Balashova, managing partner at BLC and an expert in labor and migration law, provided a legal perspective. She clarified that the existing patent cost is essentially an advance payment of income tax, not a state duty in the traditional sense. The introduction of separate duties is partly aimed at recovering funds lost through informal or “grey” schemes associated with obtaining patents. Balashova suggests the additional financial requirement will make migrants more consciously consider the process, as it represents a significant extra cost – one that will likely be passed on to the future employer. She frames the move as aligning with international practice where state services typically come with associated fees.
In essence, the proposed bill appears to be a dual-purpose initiative: increase state revenue and tighten control over migration processes, pushing costs into the formal system and potentially shifting them further onto employers. The State Duma is expected to commence its consideration of the bill this week, which will determine the path forward for these potentially significant changes to Russia`s migration framework.
