Russia is pursuing tighter controls on access to a range of services for individuals without valid residency status, a move outlined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A senior official from the migration department, Valentina Kazakova, announced the initiative, which was reported by TASS. The proposal is described as a draft that the ministry intends to submit to the State Duma for debate and potential passage in the near future.
According to Kazakova, the draft text would bar illegal migrants from participating in several routine financial and civil processes. The plan envisions restrictions that would prevent those without proper status from opening bank accounts, conducting transfers, registering motor vehicles, and formalizing marriages. In practice, these limitations would also curb a number of property-related activities, thereby tightening the legal framework governing everyday life for non-citizens present in the country.
Kazakova stressed that individuals who are in Russia without official status should not have access to such services. The stated objective behind these measures is to improve the process of identifying and removing people who reside unlawfully in the Russian Federation, while preserving public order and administrative efficiency.
During the discussion, Kazakova drew attention to demographic data indicating that Russia hosts a sizeable foreign-born population, with millions of non-citizens living, working, and contributing to the economy in various sectors. The topic has sparked a broad conversation among migration stakeholders, with opinions ranging from support to concern about the potential social and economic impacts of the proposed restrictions.
Earlier, advocacy groups representing migrants signaled cautious approval of restricting employment for individuals in the country without proper authorization. They cited sectors such as taxi services, education, and healthcare as areas where tighter rules could be implemented. However, these views are not unanimous. Some policymakers and community organizations warn that limited access to work and services could entrench vulnerability for affected populations, while others argue such measures are necessary for law enforcement and national sovereignty.
Experts note that any policy shift of this scale would require careful calibration to avoid unintended consequences, such as increased formal risk for workers, greater administrative burdens on legitimate residents, and potential shifts in migration patterns. Civil society actors emphasise the need for clear due process, transparent criteria for eligibility, and robust oversight to balance security concerns with the rights and dignity of individuals who are legally present but may lack full documentation.