Peskov called illegals, not migrants, a problem for Russia

The problem for Russia is not migrants, but those of the traveling people who arrived in the country illegally, as this creates risks for the spread of all types of crime. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on November 22.

"Migrants are not the problem. The problem is illegal migrants. In an environment where the law is violated, there already arise preconditions for crime of all kinds," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

The Kremlin spokesman noted that citizens illegally staying on the territory of the Russian Federation create prerequisites for the development of religious extremism, drug distribution and other illegal acts.

He also said that to stop crime among migrants it is necessary to regulate labor migration, tighten and simplify the rules in this area. Peskov noted that the laws also need to be made clearer and harsher, as well as to introduce various convenient rules.

At the same time, the Kremlin spokesman specified that Russia needs labor migrants from various countries to maintain the dynamics of the state's development against the background of demographic problems. Russia only welcomes the arrival of migrant workers and does not refuse labor hands for the implementation of development plans, he added.

On November 21, Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said that the State Duma deputies adopted an appeal to the Russian government on the implementation of measures to combat illegal migration.

Prior to that, November 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian authorities should be primarily guided by the interests of Russian citizens in attracting migrants. According to him, foreigners coming to work in Russia will not face rejection if they speak Russian well, know Russian traditions and comply with the law.