Russia's Ministry of Labor has developed a draft project that will see a record number of foreign workers arriving via visas attracted to the country in 2026. The total requirement is set at 278,940 people, which is 43,982 spots more than in 2025.
The main goal for increasing the quota is to fill the labor shortage in key sectors of the Russian economy. The document provides a detailed distribution of foreign workers by in-demand professions.
Which professions will get the most quotas in 2026?
- Workers for the food, woodworking, textile, and garment industries - 71,088 spots.
- Construction workers - 55,312 spots.
- Specialists in metalworking, mechanical engineering, mechanics, and repair personnel - 45,391 spots.
A significant number of quotas are also allocated for industrial plant operators (19,747 spots) and unskilled workers in industry and construction (13,287 people).
The draft resolution is currently undergoing the stage of public discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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By how much will the quota for foreign workers arriving via visas increase in 2026?
Answer: The quota is planned to be increased by 18% (or by 43,982 people) compared to 2025. -
What is the total quota for visa migrants in 2026?
Answer: For 2026, the Ministry of Labor has proposed setting the total requirement at 278,940 foreign workers arriving via visas. The project is currently under discussion. -
Which professions for migrants are the most in-demand in Russia in 2026?
Answer: The largest number of quotas are planned for workers in the food, woodworking, and textile industries (71k), construction workers (55k), and metalworkers and mechanics (45k). -
Where can I find the official document with the Ministry of Labor quotas?
Answer: The draft resolution "On determining the need to attract foreign workers for 2026" is posted on the federal portal for draft regulatory legal acts for public discussion. -
When will the final quotas for 2026 be approved?
Answer: The final approval of quotas usually occurs in the autumn of the preceding year. After the public discussion is completed, the draft will be finalized and signed. -
Why are the quotas for foreign workers increasing?
Answer: The main reason, according to the Ministry of Labor's position, is the need to fill the personnel deficit in various sectors of the economy where there is a shortage of Russian workers. -
What is the quota for construction migrants in 2026?
Answer: For construction workers, the draft resolution reserves 55,312 work permits. -
Does an employer need to get a permit to attract a visa migrant?
Answer: Yes, an employer company is required to obtain a permit for attracting and using foreign workers, as well as to arrange an individual entry invitation and work permit for each employee.
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