Migrants were banned from working as taxi drivers in two regions of Siberia

Labor migrants were banned from working as taxi drivers, sellers of drinks and tobacco in the Novosibirsk region. According to the decree of Governor Andrey Travnikov, signed on April 15, enterprises working in the specified spheres must “bring the number of foreign workers used in accordance with this decree.” This is done “in order to ensure national security, safety of life and health of the population of the Novosibirsk region.”

On April 16, the governor of the Kamchatka region, Vladimir Solodov, forbade migrants working under patents to work in taxis throughout the territory of the region. The head of the region explained this decision by the fact that “often illegal migrants who commit various crimes in the region are employed in taxis.”

“I believe that the adopted measure and tightening of the migration policy as a whole will make the market in the field of passenger transportation by passenger taxi safer,” wrote Solodov in his Telegram channel.

• In October 2023, a bill was submitted to the State Duma, according to which it is proposed to prohibit foreign citizens from working in schools, the pharmaceutical industry, state medical institutions, taxis and freight transportation throughout the country.
• In November 2023, State Duma Vice-Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy expressed regret about “Russia’s passive position towards migrants.” He suggested banning immigrants from some post-Soviet republics from working as couriers, taxi drivers and salespeople.
• After the terrorist attack in “Crocus City Hall”, which, according to the official version, was carried out by citizens of Tajikistan, xenophobic sentiments towards migrants intensified in Russia. In different regions of the country, law enforcement officers began conducting raids on the places of residence and work of foreign workers. In some cases, migrants were registered at the military enlistment office.