The head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, spoke about the social responsibilities of employers when they hire migrant workers. He emphasized that businesses should play a constructive role in shaping the lives of their foreign staff while they are employed. His remarks were shared with the agency Interfax.
Bastrykin proposed that employers be required to provide housing for migrant workers, cover their transportation costs to work sites in Russia, and ensure that workers depart the country when their employment ends. He argued that such arrangements would help create stable conditions for people who relocate to Russia for work and would ease logistical challenges for both workers and employers. His comments were intended to outline a framework in which labor migration is managed with clear obligations on the part of employers, aligned with broader policy goals discussed at the federal level. The idea is to establish practical norms that support integration and reduce friction between migrant workers and local communities.
Bastrykin also recalled that in 2022 the Interdepartmental Commission of the Security Council of the Russian Federation was established to improve the state immigration policy. He pointed to this body as a key mechanism for coordinating actions across agencies, from border control to labor market regulation, with the aim of making migration policy more coherent and enforceable. The commission’s work is framed as part of a larger effort to balance economic needs with social stability, ensuring that migration flows do not overwhelm local infrastructure or social services.
Additionally, Bastrykin introduced the idea of a weighted tax on employers who hire immigrants rather than Russian citizens. He suggested that such a measure could create stronger economic incentives for hiring domestically and encourage businesses to invest in training programs that increase the employability of local workers. The overarching goal, in his view, is to develop a clear roadmap for gradually reducing dependence on migrant labor while maintaining competitiveness and ensuring fair opportunities for Russian workers. He stressed that policy tools should be designed to support a gradual transition rather than abrupt changes that could disrupt the economy.
According to Bastrykin, recent years have seen a notable rise in the number of cases involving immigrants on serious charges. He noted this trend as a matter for careful consideration by lawmakers and security agencies, underscoring the importance of combining tougher enforcement with policies that promote lawful employment and social integration. The discussion reflects a broader concern about how immigration, labor markets, and public safety intersect, and it signals a push for more robust oversight and coordinated action across government sectors. The goal is to reduce potential tensions while safeguarding the interests of workers, employers, and the communities where they live and work.