The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has taken significant steps to tighten its grip on illegal migration by introducing a public registry for foreign migrants. This new database, accessible to the general public since February 5, 2024, enables individuals to look up detailed information about foreign nationals who are controlled individuals, often due to unlawful residence status.
To access the registry, users are required to enter the migrant's surname, first name, patronymic (if applicable), date of birth, and specific passport details such as series, number, and issue date. This operational transparency aligns with the Russian government's commitment to managing migration effectively and legally. According to Alexander Gorovoy, the First Deputy Head of the MVD, "Foreigners will be entered in the registry of controlled persons with various prohibitions and subsequent deportation." This announcement signals the government’s intention to streamline the deportation process for those who are found to be living illegally within its borders.
The decision to establish this public registry follows new legislative changes aimed at facilitating the expulsion of illegal migrants. Under the shifts enacted, illegal immigrants face serious consequences. They will be recorded as controlled individuals, barring them from undertaking basic actions necessary for everyday life, such as securing employment, enrolling children in schools, and even conducting property transactions.
Further insights from the developments revealed the seriousness of the restrictions. For example, once registered, these individuals cannot change their residences without permission from the MVD, travel outside their permitted regions, purchase property, or engage in any financial activities, including opening bank accounts. The broader legal framework dictates severe limitations on the freedoms of those who find their names listed on the registry. Sergei Leonov, head of the State Duma’s Health Committee, noted, "The new rules state illegal migrants cannot change their place of residence without MVD permission." This emphasis on control suggests the government's wider strategy of managing migration through stringent regulatory oversight.
Critics argue these measures could lead to increased hardships for those caught within the bureaucratic web, stripping away rights and opportunities, and perpetuating cycles of marginalization. With approximately 670,000 illegal migrants reportedly residing in Russia, the impacts of these regulations could be significant. Many find themselves facing annual challenges varying from limited mobility to risk of deportation.
This public registry not only holds personal data but also includes information about legal repercussions. Upon publication of data concerning foreign individuals, they are considered informed of their status. The law dictates they don't need to be separately notified about their entry or exit from this list, which adds another layer of complexity for those affected.
Additional proposed legislation aims to escalate oversight, as the State Duma is considering giving the MVD access to health screening data of migrant workers which would supplement existing checks. This could mean closer monitoring of migrants' health and deportation processes for those showing adverse health results, particularly related to drug use. Such health initiatives signify the government's intent to interlace migration control with public health oversight, raising ethical questions about the treatment of migrants within this framework.
These recent legislative actions and the introduction of the foreign migrant registry exemplify the Russian government’s toughened stance on migration. By implementing measures such as the controlled persons registry and potentially new health oversight regulations, authorities aim to exert stricter control over foreign nationals within the country. The legislation reflects broader efforts to reshape the legal and operational environment surrounding migration, aiming to deter illegal entries and manage those already present.
Such policies may evoke diverse reactions among the public and advocacy groups, highlighting the need for dialogue surrounding migrant rights and the socio-economic contributions migrants make to the society. The looming question remains how these stringent regulations will actually affect the lives of countless foreigners residing and contributing to life across Russia.