Dmitry Peskov, who serves as the press secretary to the President of Russia, dismissed the rumors about plans to curb travel or impose extra checks on IT professionals as nothing more than a “duck” or a false story. This rebuke was reported by TASS, the state news agency, which often relays official comments on sensitive policy matters. The remark signals a clear stance from top government spokespeople that the rumors should not be mistaken for real policy actions, and it underscores the government’s preference for handling information through formal channels rather than speculative reports that can create confusion in the business and tech communities.
In the broader public debate, observers insist that any move that would restrict the movement or professional opportunities of IT workers would contradict fundamental constitutional rights. The essence of this position is that the freedom to work across borders, and to pursue professional opportunities without arbitrary interference, is a cornerstone principle for citizens in any modern state. For tech employees, the issue touches on personal liberty, economic chance, and the national economy, since the IT sector is a key driver of innovation, competitiveness, and growth. Critics argue that even the appearance of restrictions could chill talent, dampen investment, and slow the development of new technologies across Russia and beyond. The potential consequences extend beyond individual careers, influencing the country’s capability to attract international collaboration, talent mobility, and the global competitiveness of its tech ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Concord company has publicly signaled that it drafted a legislative proposal intended to safeguard Russia’s strategic interests. The document outlines a framework requiring IT professionals to declare travel plans abroad and to coordinate employment with foreign firms through coordination with state security authorities. This approach reflects a wider trend in which policymakers seek greater oversight over the international labor mobility of highly skilled workers, with the aim of balancing national security concerns and economic needs. Supporters argue that such measures could help ensure that critical sectors retain control over sensitive information and strategic know-how. Opponents, however, warn that mandatory declarations and heightened oversight may create administrative bottlenecks, discourage collaboration, and complicate the international cooperation that the tech sector depends on for research, development, and market expansion. Telecommunications, software development, and digital services can rely on cross-border teams, visas, and short-term assignments to keep projects on track, making any friction in movement a potential drag on productivity and innovation.
On the other side of the policy debate, the Ministry of Digital affairs has issued a firm stance against movement restrictions or employment controls targeting IT workers. Officials argue that such measures could produce unintended, negative effects, including a reduction in the output of specialized professionals and a broader, lasting impact on the health and vitality of the technology industry. The official perspective emphasizes that a free and flexible labor market for IT specialists supports rapid innovation, helps attract foreign investment, and sustains competitive software and tech services. By maintaining openness and minimizing red tape, the ministry contends, the country can continue to nurture a thriving ecosystem that produces cutting-edge solutions, supports domestic firms, and enables collaboration with international partners. This stance also reflects a concern that restrictive policies could drive skilled professionals to relocate or seek opportunities abroad, thereby weakening the domestic tech base at a time when digital capabilities are central to economic resilience and strategic autonomy.