The Tver oblast of Russia will expand the list of professional sectors barred to foreign workers starting in 2025.  While migrant labor was restricted in 36 areas in 2024, the new list will increase to 82 categories, the regional government’s press service says.

The decision was reportedly made on December 3 during a regional government meeting chaired by Governor Igor Rudenya.

Under the new rules, foreign labor will be entirely prohibited in sectors such as energy supply, water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, computer manufacturing, and water transport operations.  Other restricted areas include publishing, television and radio broadcasting, software development and repair, scientific research, leasing and rentals, tourism, veterinary services, information technology, public organizations, and non-profit activities.

Certain agricultural professions, including fisheries, meat and fish processing, dairy production, bread and bakery production, vegetable oil and fat production, animal feed manufacturing, paper production, oil products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, will also face restrictions.  Additional industries, such as electrical equipment manufacturing, furniture production, vehicle production, and machinery repair, are also covered by the new regulations.

The bans imposed in 2024 will remain in force, impacting sectors like education, healthcare, financial services, architecture, retail and wholesale trade, advertising, recruitment, and administrative services.  Restrictions on forestry, logging, and plastic and metal product manufacturing will also persist.

Starting in 2025, the cost of a work permit for labor migrants in the Tver oblast will rise 39.4%, reaching 14,973 rubles, the highest rate in the Central Federal District.

Regional authorities emphasize that the measures aim to create jobs for local residents, including youth, reducing the number of foreign workers in the regional economy and ensuring employment for citizens.

Tver Governor Igor Rudenya stated that while authorities considered business input when drafting the changes, national security concerns remained a priority.

New labor restrictions on migrants across Russia

Recently, Russian regions have introduced new prohibitions on migrant employment in several economic sectors.

For example, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev signed a decree barring foreign citizens with work permits from jobs in key sectors, including passenger transportation, trade, and education, effective in 2025.

Similarly, the Omsk oblast governor prohibited migrants from working in fields like taxi services, passenger transport, food and alcohol trade, forestry, and pharmaceutical production. Experts warn these restrictions could negatively impact the economy, as foreign workers comprise a significant portion of the workforce in these industries.

In contrast, St. Petersburg authorities opposed banning migrants from transport jobs, arguing that such measures could disrupt operations at city enterprises reliant on foreign labor.

More than 10 Russian regions have already imposed similar restrictions.  These include Novosibirsk, Samara, Tula, Magadan, and Chelyabinsk oblasts.  

In April 2024, the Novosibirsk oblast barred migrants from working in 35 fields, such as education, food production, fishing, wholesale trade, public transport, and taxi services.

In the Tula oblast, restrictions targeted taxi services and food establishments, while in the Amur oblast, foreign nationals were banned from 27 fields, including trade, passenger transport, beverage and tobacco production, and agriculture.  Employers are required to adjust their staffing to comply with the new rules within three months or face penalties.

Some regions have implemented significant fines for violations.  Legal entities face fines of up to 1 million rubles, officials up to 50,000 rubles, and individuals who hire migrants up to 4,000 rubles.

Since the terror attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in March this year, the Kremlin has taken active steps to complicate the lives of migrant workers in Russia, further tightening legislation in what was already a hostile environment for outsiders. 

In July, Moscow region police chief Viktor Paukov said publicly that his main task was to “lighten up the Moscow region so that it won’t be darkened — as it were — by foreigners.”