A deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities, Gennady Semigin, stated at the NSN press centre that regional authorities who restrict migrants from jobs in catering, trade, and transportation are acting appropriately. He described these moves as arising from a sense of urgency in difficult circumstances.
Semigin noted that some regions have extended prohibitions to a broad range of visitor workers, including those in the retail sector. He questioned whether governors are making prudent choices under pressure and asked whether the priority should be to restrict the sale of vodka or to ensure a workforce capable of delivering essential services to the country. His remarks underline a debate about balancing economic needs with regulatory measures.
Budget constraints and labor market pressures are cited in several regions. In Chelyabinsk, for example, migrants are prohibited from certain jobs in passenger transportation. In Tula, restrictions cover sectors such as tobacco, alcohol, passenger transport, and the food and beverage trade, reflecting a broader trend of targeted bans across industries.
There has also been a push from the taxi industry in Moscow for a similar ban, with unions arguing that a temporary slowdown could help address labour market imbalances. Critics, however, point out that Moscow taxis require foreign workers to meet service demands and keep operations running smoothly.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Migrants commented on the ban in Chelyabinsk, suggesting that the practical effect may be limited in the near term. They anticipate that many roles will eventually be filled by migrants who have already obtained Russian citizenship, a development that could alter the enforceability and impact of such restrictions.
[Source attribution: NSN press centre; statements summarized from regional officials and migrant advocacy groups.]