Authorities in the Primorsky Territory have unveiled a draft decision proposing a ban on foreign nationals working in 41 specific job categories and sectors in 2025. The document, published on the regional portal that hosts drafts of regulatory acts and public reports, outlines the scope of the restriction and the reasons behind it. Local officials argue the measure aims to regulate labor markets, enhance social cohesion, and support local workers in sectors with strong demand. Business groups and industry observers are weighing potential impacts, including how such a policy could affect supply chains, service availability, and regional development plans. The draft also signals broader shifts in how the region approaches migration and employment, signaling a move toward tighter controls and more explicit labor eligibility rules. Officials emphasize that the plan is in an early stage and may undergo revisions as consultations proceed. The document includes specific timelines, the list of affected occupations, and the mechanisms expected to enforce the restriction, such as licensing and inspections for employers.
Among the measures, foreigners would be prohibited from driving regular and private passenger transport within the city, including city buses, trams, and trolleybuses, as well as intercity bus services. The draft describes a phased approach that would limit employment in passenger transport to citizens or residents meeting defined criteria. The proposed rules would affect a wide range of roles, from bus drivers and conductors to dispatchers and fleet managers. Proponents argue that the policy could improve public safety, labor transparency, and service reliability, while opponents warn of potential worker shortages and increased vacancy rates in critical transit corridors. Chapter by chapter, the document explains how exemptions might work for temporary workers or pilots, and outlines the procedures for employers to verify citizenship or residency status. Civil society groups have urged careful consideration of the social consequences, emphasizing the need for clear transition plans for urban routes and intercity connections.
In addition, the draft bars foreigners from working in passenger taxi and chauffeured car rental services, as well as in passenger water transport and maritime operations. The aim, according to the draft, is to ensure that regulated passenger services are staffed by individuals who meet specific national or regional eligibility criteria. Industry players note that taxi fleets and private hire services rely heavily on a diverse workforce, including experienced drivers from abroad, and suggest the policy could necessitate rapid recruitment drives or wage adjustments to attract local workers. Authorities say the plan includes enforcement provisions and penalties for violations, along with timelines for phasing in the new rules. The regulation of maritime and river transport is also addressed, highlighting the importance of safety, licensing compliance, and professional credentialing in commercial passenger operations. The discussion reflects a broader debate on immigration and labor market policy within the region.
Earlier, a member of parliament explained that a bill currently submitted to the State Duma would consider foreign citizenship as an aggravating factor in criminal cases. The statement clarified that the proposed enhancement would not apply to individuals who hold dual citizenship if one of the nationalities is Russian. The description emphasizes a cautious approach to criminal law where citizenship status might influence sentencing while protecting individuals who hold more than one passport from automatic penalties simply for possessing multiple nationalities. Lawmakers and legal analysts note that the issue remains controversial, with advocates arguing for tighter accountability for non-residents, and opponents warning against broad generalizations that could affect long-standing residents or temporary workers with legitimate ties to the country. The debate highlights the tension between immigration policy and public safety, and suggests the broader policy context in which the regional ban is being considered.
Earlier discussions in national circles included proposals on immigration enforcement, including potential deportation actions for individuals violating immigration laws. Some officials argued for decisive steps to manage border and residency status, while others urged a more nuanced approach that balances security concerns with economic needs. The current Primorsky proposal appears in that wider discourse as a regional experiment in defining labor eligibility and enforcement priorities. Observers say that any such plan will require collaboration with local authorities, industry groups, and workers themselves, as well as transparent procedures for appeal and review. In the coming months, officials will likely publish additional details, inviting public comment, and potentially adjusting the scope of occupations affected or the enforcement timeline based on feedback and practical considerations. This ongoing process underscores the broader questions that many regional governments face when aligning labor markets with migration policy in a rapidly changing economic environment.