Putin signs law tightening financial requirements for foreign workers in Russia

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law requiring foreign workers in Russia to demonstrate they can support themselves and their families at or above the per-capita minimum subsistence level in the region where they work. For foreigners employed in multiple regions, the required amount will be calculated based on the highest regional subsistence minimum and cannot exceed the average monthly salary in the relevant region. Under the new rules, tax authorities will share income data for foreign nationals with the Interior Ministry at the end of each quarter — the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth months of the calendar year — while the Russian Social Fund will provide employment records. Foreign workers whose income falls below the threshold will have their employment contracts terminated and their permitted stay in Russia shortened. Putin also approved a separate law requiring the children of foreign workers to leave Russia when they turn 18 if they lack a legal basis to remain and do not apply for a work permit and make the required income tax prepayment within the same 30-day period. The legislation comes as Russia continues to adjust its migration framework amid the conflict in Ukraine and ongoing labor shortages in several sectors.