Russia may abolish patent system for migrants (video)

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed considering the abolition of the patent system currently applied to migrant workers. He made this statement yesterday, September 18, during a meeting with leaders of State Duma factions. 

Putin noted that the patent system is widely used but did not rule out the possibility of its cancellation. According to him, migration remains a highly pressing issue for Russian citizens, and the government must not ignore it.

The patent system applies to migrants in Russia who arrive without visas. A patent is a work permit that migrants are required to obtain within 30 days after entering the country. The foreigners must register their temporary residence, undergo a medical examination, pass exams in the Russian language, history, and law, submit a package of documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and pay the state fee to receive a patent. 

The migrants must also make monthly advance payments of personal income tax (PIT) for the permit to remain valid, the amount of which varies depending on the region. For instance, starting January 1, 2025, this payment in Moscow will amount to 8,900 rubles (1.32 million Uzbek soums). A patent is issued for a period ranging from one month to one year and is valid only within the specified region and type of activity.

In recent months, a number of new measures have been introduced for migrants in Russia. In July, the Russian language exams became more difficult, with an increased number of tasks in listening comprehension and oral speech.

Additionally, in May, the government submitted a draft law to the State Duma proposing to exempt migrants who obtain work permits under a quota system from taking exams in Russian language, history, and law. In July, the bill was approved by the Federation Council (Senate).

It is worth noting that earlier, Sergey Mironov, leader of the ’’A Just Russia – for Truth’’ party, called for a moratorium on granting citizenship and residence permits to migrants from Central Asia until 2030. According to him, the growing influx of migrants poses a threat to Russia’s national security.