New tax on migrants proposed in Russia amid integration efforts

A proposal has been submitted to the Russian government to introduce a new tax on labor migrants, amounting to 5.1 percent of their salaries. According to a report by RIA Novosti, the revenue from this tax would be directed toward educational and integration programs for migrants.

The proposal was submitted to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin by the Institute for Socio-Economic Analysis and Development Programs.

The suggested tax rate mirrors the amount currently paid for compulsory medical insurance under Russia’s unified social tax system.

According to the proposal, the collected funds would be allocated to Russian language instruction, education on the fundamentals of Russian law, cultural and civic orientation programs, and broader social adaptation efforts. These would include familiarization with Russian history, traditions, secular values, and support for smoother integration in a way that does not conflict with the interests of the local population.

This initiative comes as the Russian State Duma prepares to consider draft laws introducing new state fees for migrants. Under the proposed changes, foreign citizens and stateless persons would be required to pay 4,200 rubles to obtain or renew a work patent, another 4,200 rubles to extend a work permit, and 2,100 rubles for reissuing or making changes to a permit or patent.