In a significant reshuffle within the Russian government, Andrey Kikot has been appointed as the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the newly established Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens. This appointment was confirmed by a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on April 2, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the country's approach to migration policy.
Kikot, who previously served as the Deputy Prosecutor General of Russia since 2017, will now lead a department that has been created to streamline the management of migration matters in Russia. The establishment of this service comes after years of discussions about the need for a dedicated agency to handle immigration issues comprehensively. According to the decree, the government has been tasked with staffing this new division within three months and developing a plan of action for its operations.
Born in 1976 in Leningrad, Kikot graduated with honors from the St. Petersburg Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in June 1998. He began his legal career in the prosecutor's office of the Kirovsky district of St. Petersburg, where he worked as an investigator. Over the years, he held various positions within the prosecutor's office, including prosecutor of the Krasnogvardeisky and Vyborg districts, and ultimately served as the prosecutor of the Novgorod region from 2011 to 2017.
In his new role, Kikot will oversee the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens, which is being formed on the basis of the Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This service aims to address the complexities of migration policy, which has often been criticized for its chaotic nature following the transfer of responsibilities from the Federal Migration Service to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2016.
The establishment of this service has been a long-discussed topic, particularly highlighted during a year-end review in December 2023, where President Putin emphasized the necessity for a specialized body to manage migration comprehensively. He stated, "We need a separate powerful division that can handle migration issues effectively, integrating representatives from various economic departments to ensure all matters are addressed cohesively." This sentiment reflects the growing recognition of migration as a pressing issue that requires dedicated oversight.
Experts have noted that the creation of the new service is a response to increasing public concern about migration and its implications for national security. Kirill Kabanov, a member of the Human Rights Council, remarked on the pressing challenges in the field of migration, particularly in light of security concerns raised during recent meetings. He pointed out that the new structure must tackle the ongoing issues of illegal migration and the need for better integration of migrants into Russian society.
With Kikot at the helm, the new service is expected to prioritize the fight against illegal migration while simultaneously working to create a more transparent and efficient system for legal immigration. This includes addressing the backlog of Russian citizens who have faced challenges in obtaining citizenship while migrants with criminal records have entered the country legally.
Moreover, the establishment of the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens comes at a time when the Russian government is tightening its policies regarding labor migrants. Following a terrorist attack in March 2024, which involved foreign nationals, the authorities have implemented stricter measures against illegal migration, including banning intermediary companies from facilitating exams for foreigners and increasing penalties for organizing illegal immigration.
As the head of the new service, Kikot will be tasked with navigating these complex issues, ensuring that the service not only functions as a bureaucratic entity but also actively engages in combating crime related to migration. Irina Kareva, chair of the Association of Lawyers of Russia on legal issues in the field of migration, expressed confidence in Kikot's leadership, stating, "His appointment signals that the new service will not merely be a bureaucratic body but a proactive participant in the fight against migration-related crime."
Kikot's extensive experience in the prosecutor's office and his familiarity with the intricacies of Russian law position him well to lead this new initiative. His father, the late Police Colonel-General Vladimir Kikot, was a prominent figure in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, suggesting that Kikot comes from a background steeped in law enforcement and public service.
As Kikot embarks on this new chapter, the success of the Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens will hinge on its ability to address the myriad challenges facing migrants in Russia. From enhancing the legal framework governing migration to ensuring that the rights of all individuals are respected, Kikot's leadership will be closely scrutinized by both the public and governmental bodies alike.
In conclusion, the appointment of Andrey Kikot as the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the newly formed Service for Citizenship and Registration of Foreign Citizens marks a critical step in Russia's efforts to reform its migration policies. With a focus on clarity, efficiency, and security, Kikot's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of migration in the country.
