State Duma Proposes Exclusion of Doctors and Teachers from Residence Permit List
In a significant move, the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, has proposed the exclusion of healthcare and education professionals from the list of specialties eligible for residence permits for foreign citizens in Russia. During a plenary session, Volodin emphasized the need to prioritize the training of local specialists over the recruitment of foreign professionals. He pointed out that only 34% of Russian medical graduates are currently entering the healthcare workforce, raising concerns about the effectiveness of attracting foreign doctors and nurses to fill the gap.
Volodin's statement reflects a growing sentiment within the Russian government regarding the importance of nurturing domestic talent in critical sectors. He argued that the focus should be on creating conducive conditions for Russian graduates to pursue careers in healthcare and education, rather than relying on foreign expertise. This approach aims to strengthen the foundational capabilities of these essential fields in the country.
Concerns Over Foreign Teachers and Migrant Recruitment
The Chairman also raised concerns about the recruitment of foreign teachers, stating that many lack proficiency in the Russian language and a thorough understanding of the subject matter. This situation has sparked debates about the quality of education and the integration of foreign educators within the Russian school system. Volodin's comments highlight the challenges posed by foreign recruitment in sectors that require not only professional expertise but also cultural and linguistic familiarity.
In a related development, the State Duma is set to consider new bills aimed at tightening regulations around illegal migration. These initiatives include extrajudicial measures to block online advertisements for illegal document processing services and stricter penalties for illegal migration activities. The proposed changes come in response to a reported tripling of crimes committed by individuals residing illegally in Russia, with the Investigative Committee noting an increase to 8,000 cases this year.
Legislative Actions and Future Directions
The legislative package under consideration includes amendments to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, which would classify certain crimes related to illegal migration as aggravating circumstances. This includes harsher penalties for organized groups involved in illegal migration, with potential imprisonment ranging from eight to 15 years. Additionally, the bills propose severe consequences for the production of forged documents and fictitious registrations of foreign citizens, with penalties of up to six years in prison.
Volodin reiterated that these measures are crucial for enhancing public safety and combating illegal migration. The State Duma aims to prioritize these initiatives and finalize discussions before the end of the year, reflecting a robust commitment to reforming Russia's migration policy.
