State Duma Enacts Law on Migrant Children's Education in Russia
The State Duma of Russia has passed a significant law that prohibits schools from admitting migrant children who do not possess adequate knowledge of the Russian language. This legislation was confirmed by Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the lower house of parliament, via his Telegram channel. The new law mandates that before enrolling a child in school, a verification process will be conducted to ensure the legality of their presence in Russia and their proficiency in the Russian language.
The law stipulates that foreign children can only be admitted to basic general education programs if they present documentation confirming their legal status in Russia and successfully pass a free Russian language proficiency test. Children who do not meet these requirements will be barred from enrollment. This decision received overwhelming support in the Duma, with 409 out of 410 deputies voting in favor of the amendments. One deputy reported a technical issue that prevented him from voting in favor, describing it as a
said Volodin. He highlighted that 41% of migrant children faced challenges with the Russian language at the start of the school year, underscoring the necessity for language proficiency to facilitate effective learning and social integration.
Broader Context of Migration Policy in Russia
This legislative move is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to enhance migration policies and combat illegal immigration. Since the beginning of the year, the State Duma has enacted 14 federal laws aimed at improving these policies. President Vladimir Putin has previously emphasized the need for a federal framework to assist migrant children who struggle with the Russian language. He has called for the development of unified rules regarding language proficiency for migrants coming to Russia for work.
In addition to the education law, recent changes have also been made regarding the administration of language proficiency exams for migrants, now limited to government agencies. Furthermore, a new law has been introduced that requires apartment owners to formalize rental agreements with migrants, limiting the duration of these agreements to one year. These measures reflect a concerted effort by Russian authorities to regulate the integration of migrants into society and ensure compliance with local laws and cultural norms.
