A draft appeal on the implementation of measures to counteract illegal migration has been submitted to the State Duma

A draft of the chamber's appeal to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the implementation of systemic measures to counter illegal migration has been submitted to the State Duma. The corresponding document was published on November 18 in the Duma electronic database.

It is proposed to establish clear parameters for the quantity and quality of labor resources that are attracted from other countries, as well as to develop common criteria and approaches to the regulation of labor migration.

The document also draws attention to the development of a transition plan for the full collection and processing of biometric data of foreigners at checkpoints across the border of the Russian Federation.

In addition, the deputies of the State Duma proposed to establish mandatory verification of the legality of the stay of foreigners on the territory of Russia, testing for knowledge of the Russian language and a ban on enrollment in general educational institutions without confirmed knowledge of the language. The agency also considered it necessary to immediately work out the issue of defining and fixing the levels of Russian language proficiency of foreign citizens depending on their labor activity and professional requirements that are imposed on them.

In addition, the draft proposes to expand the procedure of video recording of the exam in respect of persons who are required to take the exam in oral form with the inclusion of video recording of oral answers to questions aimed at clarifying information about him and the purpose of his stay on the territory of Russia.

"The State Duma appeals to you, dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, with a request to ensure proper law enforcement in the implementation of systemic measures to counter illegal migration, as well as to form, in accordance with the competence of the Government of the Russian Federation, systemic decisions on labor migration," the text of the document reads.

Earlier, on November 13, the State Duma adopted in the second and third readings a law that increases fines for forging documents for illegal migration. Fines for legal entities will be from Br5 million to Br10 million, and for repeated violations - from Br10 million to Br60 million. Confiscation of instruments of offense is also provided for. It is also noted that the fine "for forgery of documents, stamps, seals or letterheads, their use, transfer or sale" has been increased to Br80 thousand, while for repeated violations - up to Br200 thousand.

November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on toughening penalties for organizing illegal migration. The amendments stipulated that the organization of illegal entry and stay of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation is punishable by two to five years of imprisonment and possible additional punishment. The same measures apply to persons who used Russia as a transit country for foreigners.