Russia may postpone the launch of a new hiring system for labor migrants

In Russia, the launch of a new hiring system for labor migrants may be postponed from January to March 2027. Under the new system, foreigners will have to be registered to work for a specific employer and entered into a special registry. The possible delay is linked to the fact that the bill is not ready yet, and the digital working platform is missing.

As *Kommersant* writes, citing sources, the reform is planned to be introduced in stages. The first stage may start after March 1, 2027, and the second — after January 1, 2029. At the same time, the project's implementation timeline may still be adjusted.

Work — only for a specific employer

According to the new rules, foreigners will have to come to Russia specifically to work for a particular employer. Their data will be entered into a special registry, and instead of the usual permit documents, they will receive an identification card valid for three years.

The system is planned to be extended to all of Russia, except for Moscow and the Moscow Region. It will apply to citizens of both visa-free and visa-required countries. Exceptions are provided for citizens of Belarus, highly qualified specialists, and certain categories of workers.

Companies wishing to hire foreigners will have to register in a special Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) registry and submit an application in advance. It must specify the number of workers, the place of work, and working conditions.

The employment contract is planned to be concluded for one year. Its terms must correspond to the application, including the work schedule.

In addition, employers will have to pay for the genomic registration of employees and compensate the state for the costs of their deportation. If a company hires more than 15 foreigners, it will have to provide them with housing. Individuals will be allowed to hire no more than five labor migrants.

To process documents, migrants will need to undergo a medical examination, register in the system, and obtain an identification card. During the processing period, the project provides for accommodation in special "migration hotels."

The monthly advance payment for personal income tax (NDFL), according to the project, will remain at 1.2 thousand rubles. Additional fees are also provided: 3 thousand rubles for entry into the registry for citizens of visa-free countries and 8 thousand rubles for those arriving on a visa. Changing the purpose of the visit will cost 30 thousand rubles, and changing the region of work — 10 thousand.

Those who are in Russia at the time of the system's launch are planned to be given six months to register and enter their data into the registry. Otherwise, they may face deportation.

According to various estimates, there are more than 3 million labor migrants in Russia. Experts doubt that it will be possible to register everyone within the set timeframe. A separate question is the readiness of the digital platform that must process the workers' data.

The business community believes that the state needs to strengthen control over labor migration. However, how much more effective the new system will prove to be compared to the current patent system will become clear after its launch.

, that more than half of the citizens of Uzbekistan working abroad are in Russia.