In Saint Petersburg, migrants were banned from working in shops and salons on the basis of a patent

In Saint Petersburg, migrants were banned from working in shops and salons on the basis of a patent

In Saint Petersburg, Russia, hiring foreigners on the basis of a patent in shops, beauty and massage salons, as well as barbershops has been banned until the end of 2026, Interfax reported, citing the city administration.

These restrictions do not apply to citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union member states — Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan — as well as to foreigners with work permits, including highly qualified specialists.

By the decision of Governor Alexander Beglov, the list of types of activities in which it is prohibited to hire foreign workers on the basis of a patent for 2026 was expanded.

According to the report, the list includes retail trade, physical culture and wellness, certain areas in the medical field, as well as activities related to beauty salons and hairdressing services.

Among the types of activities in the medical field are, in particular, the operations of massage salons and sanatoriums.

Entrepreneurs were given until December 15 to bring the number of employees in line with the new requirements.

Officials hope this ban will help form a "transparent and regulated labor market where jobs are created primarily for Russian citizens, including youth and students."

As previously reported, in December 2025, Beglov signed a decree prohibiting the employment of migrants on a patent basis as taxi drivers and couriers until the end of 2026.