The key facts
- As of October 1, there were about 6.5 million migrants in Russia — Interior Ministry data announced by Vladimir Kolokoltsev
- The share of legally employed migrants rose from 45% to 50%; ten years ago it was 25%
- As of November 3, fines for violating residence rules have been increased and the list of grounds for expulsion has been expanded
Interior Ministry data on migrant numbers and employment
As of October 1, there were about 6.5 million foreign citizens in Russia, and the share of migrants officially employed in labor activity reached 50%. These figures were cited by Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev during a government hour in the Federation Council. According to him, the legal employment rate rose from 45% to 50%, whereas ten years ago it was only 25%. Life.ru reported the news.
What else is changing in migration policy
In addition to the announced statistics, the Interior Ministry said it intends to send regions recommendations on dispersing migrant enclaves. This statement adds to changes already in force: as Life.ru previously reported, as of November 3, fines have been increased in Russia for foreigners violating residence rules, and the list of administrative offenses for which foreign citizens may be expelled from the country has been expanded. Thus, the reported data on growing legal employment come against the backdrop of a simultaneous tightening of liability for violating migration legislation.
