Two draft laws concerning changes to the rules for migration registration and the labor activities of foreign citizens are being discussed in the Russian State Duma. These initiatives are included in the program for December 2026, and if adopted, they will expand the powers of regional authorities.
According to the first draft law, governors may be granted the right to introduce a special permit-based procedure for registering foreigners at their place of residence and stay in certain municipalities. Currently, such a procedure applies only to border areas or closed cities. If the law is approved, starting March 1, 2027, local authorities will be able to require additional documents for registration within their territory.
The second initiative provides for the expansion of restrictions on the employment of foreigners. Currently, regions can only impose bans on migrants working under patents in certain sectors. The new draft law will allow these restrictions to be applied to all categories of foreign workers, regardless of their legal status. While such restrictions were in effect in 51 Russian subjects in 2025, the new rules are expected to further expand this list.
It should be noted that these draft laws have not yet been adopted and, as of October 30, 2026, are at the review stage. The proposed changes will not automatically come into force across the entire country; instead, each region will make decisions based on its own needs. The main changes for migrants may involve additional procedures during registration and regional bans on employment.
