The chair of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Alexander Bastrykin, spoke during the St. Petersburg Forum on International Law about the legislative pace in the State Duma on migration issues. He described the current work as inconsistent and criticized the speed of passing laws that would regulate immigration. In response, Deputy Sardana Avksentieva, who answered Bastrykin at that moment, emphasized that she did not take the remarks personally. She noted her agreement with Bastrykin’s concerns about how quickly or slowly key migration-related measures were moving through parliament. Avksentieva highlighted that the party New People has introduced several initiatives aimed at tightening immigration rules and enhancing security, including penalties for immigrants who engage in harassment and regulations banning attire that conceals the face in public spaces. She stressed, however, that broad, state-level policy reforms are necessary beyond isolated measures.
During the forum, Bastrykin pressed for clarification on whether the State Duma deputies intended to propose a new law to address the situation regarding immigrants. A member of the lower house responded that lawmakers were already addressing the issue, indicating ongoing legislative activity. Bastrykin then voiced his desire for a more decisive approach, asking when the state would approve substantial, well-structured laws that could effectively respond to immigration concerns. The remark underscored a call for stronger legislative action to align with security and societal needs.
Earlier remarks from Bastrykin indicated a focus on employment practices involving foreigners. He pointed out that more than ten thousand individuals who had received Russian citizenship had been deployed to special operations zones, where foreign workers were employed to perform demanding tasks. He noted that foreigners were needed to participate in essential activities such as fortification-building and infrastructure support in those zones. Bastrykin also mentioned that over thirty thousand people were identified for service and enrollment in the military, signaling a broader effort to integrate migrant populations into national security frameworks.
In addition, Bastrykin asserted that employers should consider national safety implications when hiring immigrants. He argued that hiring decisions could have far-reaching consequences for public order and security, and he urged responsible recruitment practices that balance labor needs with the protection of the state and its residents. The statements reflected a belief that immigration policy is not merely a matter of visas and borders, but a facet of overall national resilience and social stability.