Duma Tightens Rules for Migrant Workers and Their Children in Russia

July 8, 2026 Indian workers in Moscow. Yaroslav Chingaev / Moskva News Agency Russia’s lower-house State Duma on Wednesday passed sweeping legislation tying the legal status of migrant workers and their families to their financial earnings. Under the newly approved bills, foreign workers must prove they earn enough income to support themselves and their dependent family members, according to the cost of living mandated by both the Russian government and the regions in which they live and work. Income below that baseline or unemployment will result in the non-renewal or annulment of temporary low-skilled work visas called patents. They would then face deportation within 15 days. Migrants will also be required to pay a fixed advance income tax for themselves and each dependent. Foreign dependents will be permitted to stay in Russia for the duration of their parents’ patents. Once they turn 18, children of migrants will be required to obtain their own work patents or face deportation within 30 days. Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin claimed the bills were a direct response to public concern and "are aimed at bringing order to migration issues.” The amendments to Russia’s law on the legal status of foreign citizens are part of a raft of migration restrictions following anti-migrant sentiment since the March 2024 mass shooting at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall concert venue. Volodin boasted that the Duma has passed 30 migration laws since 2024. The latest bills passed in both the second and third readings, after which they go to the upper-house Federation Council for a vote and President Vladimir Putin for signing into law. Read more about: Migrants , Migration , State Duma Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia to Introduce Language Exams for Migrant Children to Enroll In School The latest ban comes amid renewed anti-migrant sentiment and a raft of new legislation targeting migrants in the country. 1 Min read Police Launch Probe After Russian Lawmaker Attacked Communist Party member Mikhail Matveyev said he was attacked by “migrants” while attempting to stop them from harassing a passerby on Thursday. 1 Min read opinion Valentina Chupik How Russia Plans to Make Life Hell For Migrants Migrants in Russia already suffer from discrimination and violence. A proposed law could empower corrupt authorities to make things worse. 7 Min read Russian Lawmakers to Trade Foreign Cars for Domestic Brands, State Duma Speaker Says Lawmakers will apparently be swapping in their BMWs and Mercedes for Moskvitch, Lada and Aurus models. 2 Min read