New legislation coming into effect on March 5 grants Russian police broad authority to enter the homes and residences of migrants residing in the country.
TASS, a Russian state news agency, reported the law's details, which include unrestricted access to migrant dwellings and the ability to request information from both domestic and foreign entities. This information could include financial records, potentially breaching commercial, banking, and tax secrecy laws.
The expanded powers extend to monitoring migrants' movements electronically, using facial recognition and geolocation data from mobile devices and payment systems. Additionally, individuals and organizations assisting foreign citizens within Russia fall under this increased police scrutiny.
This legislation coincides with a previously announced deadline for undocumented migrants. By April 30, 2025, individuals residing in Russia without proper authorization must either leave the country or regularize their legal status.
Deportation measures will be implemented starting February 5 for those deemed to be in violation of immigration regulations. All undocumented migrants will be entered into a "controlled persons" registry until they are deported or their situation is rectified.
The implications of this new law for migrant communities in Russia remain to be seen. Critics warn of potential human rights violations and increased social tensions.
Central Asian Migrants in Russia
Today, 87% of migrant workers in Russia come from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, with remittances contributing 15% to 50% of their GDP. Migrants primarily work in construction, services, and manufacturing.
Since early 2024, the number of undocumented migrants in Russia has increased by 40%, reaching 740,000, while nearly 1 million registered workers have left. This shift accompanies stricter migration policies, and without proper integration projects, it could lead to economic and social challenges. Recent legal changes reflect this concern, but the harsh language used has raised apprehension among migrants.
According to the IOM World Immigration Report 2024, "the Russian Federation remains the primary destination for migrant workers from Central Asia, mobility patterns seem to be shifting, with an increasing number of migrants from the subregion moving to the European Union and Asia."
While Russia remains a key destination for labor migrants, trends now show increased interest in Europe and East Asia. Remittances from Poland, South Korea, and the UAE have grown significantly. South Korea’s partnerships include new E-8 and E-7 visas for seasonal and skilled work, alongside the existing E-9 program, enabling Uzbeks to earn up to $2,500 in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
Poland’s recruitment drive offers skilled metal construction jobs with salaries starting at €750, plus benefits like housing and medical insurance. Germany, through its “Ausbildung” program, plans to employ 50,000 Uzbeks in vocational roles, offering €1,000–€2,000 salaries and German language training for integration.
For decades, the Russian Federation has played a crucial role as a major source of remittances for Central Asian countries, contributing more than half of the total inflows to nations like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Despite expectations of a decline due to a projected contraction in Russia’s economy, international remittances to Central Asia have remained strong.
In October 2024 the Central Bank of Uzbekistan announced the cross-border remittance inflows into Uzbekistan.
Most remittances originated from Russia, which accounted for $8.75bn—a 35% increase. Other key contributors included Kazakhstan ($625mn), South Korea ($420mn), the United States ($415mn), Turkey ($291mn), the United Kingdom ($93mn), and Poland ($48mn).
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