The Saint Petersburg administration is preparing to significantly expand the list of activities prohibited for foreign citizens working on the basis of a labor patent. The draft resolution, expected to be signed by city governor Alexander Beglov, is currently undergoing anti-corruption expertise. If the document is approved, employers will be required to dismiss their migrant employees by December 1, 2026.
While current restrictions include taxis and delivery services, the new list includes retail trade of food, beverages, and tobacco products, medicine, massage parlors, sanatorium-resort organizations, sports clubs, fitness centers, as well as hair and beauty salons. These restrictions will mainly apply to citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
At the same time, construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and cleaning services remain open to foreign workers. Also, citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as those with a Russian residence permit, refugees, and specialists entering on visas are exempt from these restrictions.
Industry representatives and experts are focusing on the timing of this decision. The December 1 date coincides with the peak season for retail and service sectors. Employers note that replacing staff in a short period will be difficult, which could lead to the closure of some retail outlets or an increase in service prices.
