Russia Skilled Worker Immigrants

Russian proposals to make it easier for families of skilled worker immigrants

Foreign specialists living in Russia may soon find it easier to bring in their families if a new immigration bill passes into law. If the changes go ahead Employers will find it easier to hire the workers they need to help fill skills shortages.

The Russian parliament has drafted new legislation which will allow the spouse of a foreign skilled worker to obtain a work visa for the same period of time as the primary visa holder spouse.

Previously, family members had to either face separation or see a representative of the Russian Migration Service every four months.

In addition, a foreign skilled worker who changes location in Russia for longer than 30 days or who wishes to leave the country for longer than 90 days will not have to go through the migration process again.

According to Vladimir Pligin, head of the Duma committee on constitutional legislation and one of the authors of the new bill, the new rules should make Russia a more attractive destination for highly skilled workers.

Moreover, companies wishing to hire highly skilled workers under the new rules will not be subject to typical Russian immigration caps.

And finally, foreign workers will even be able to apply independently for a visa. These applicants will be entered into a database that Russian employers can use to find overseas skilled workers.