The key facts

  • As of October 1, there were about 6 million migrants in Russia
  • The share of legally employed migrants rose from 25% ten years ago to 50%
  • Fines for employers for illegal labor are planned to be increased to 800,000 rubles

About 6 million migrants and a rise in legal employment

Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, speaking during a government hour in the Federation Council, said that as of October 1 there were about 6 million migrants in the country. According to him, the share of those legally employed rose from 45% to 50%, whereas ten years ago this figure was only 25%. TASS reports this, citing the minister's remarks, as written by Gazeta.Ru.

Ready initiatives and recommendations for the regions

In addition to the statistics, the minister announced measures in the field of migration regulation. Fines for employers who use illegal migrant labor are planned to be increased to 800,000 rubles: the Interior Ministry has prepared a package of legislative initiatives which, according to Kolokoltsev, is already with the government. In addition, the ministry has prepared recommendations for regional governors on preventing and breaking up migrant enclaves — they were drawn up on the instructions of Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, but the minister did not disclose details of the document.

Context

It was previously reported that crime among migrants in Russia fell by almost half — the minister cited these figures before his current address. As for the new initiatives, the increase in fines remains a bill under consideration in the government, and the content of the recommendations for the regions has not yet been published, so it is premature to speak about the timing and final parameters of the changes.