On 26 July 2026, the President of Russia signed Federal Law No. 255-FZ "On Amendments to the Federal Law 'On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation' and Article 25-6 of the Federal Law 'On the Procedure for Exit fr om the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation'", which redistributes key powers in the sphere of labour migration. The document introduces changes to the laws "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation" and "On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation", transferring a number of functions from the Ministry of Labour to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Under the new rules, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will approve the list of professions entitling foreign specialists to obtain a permanent residence permit under a simplified procedure – without first obtaining a temporary residence permit. In addition, the ministry will be empowered to determine the list of specialities not subject to quotas for the issuance of work permits to foreigners entering on visas.
An important innovation also concerns territorial restrictions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will be able to establish cases in which temporarily staying foreign nationals are entitled to work outside the region wh ere their work permit was issued. At the same time, all lists and exceptions are to be approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs exclusively in coordination with the Ministry of Labour, which retains the function of monitoring the labour market situation.
The law comes into force 180 days after its official publication, i.e. on 22 January 2027. By that time, the relevant orders of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health and Social Development will lose force, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will issue new regulatory acts within the framework of its expanded powers. It is expected that the updated lists will include in-demand specialities: engineers, programmers (including UAV specialists), fitters, big data analysts and medical workers.
Frequently asked questions:
-
What powers have been transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs?
The Ministry of Internal Affairs now approves the list of professions entitling holders to simplified permanent residence permits (without a temporary residence permit) and the list of specialities eligible to work outside quotas. -
When does the new law come into force?
The law comes into force on 22 January 2027. -
Is the Ministry of Labour completely removed from migration issues?
No, the Ministry of Labour retains its expert functions – all lists are approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Labour. -
Which professions will be included in the new list?
The final list has not yet been published. It is expected to include engineers, programmers (including UAV specialists), fitters, big data analysts and medical workers. -
What will happen to the existing lists of the Ministry of Labour?
The orders of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health and Social Development will lose force, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will issue new regulatory acts in their place. -
Why was the transfer of powers necessary?
To centralise labour migration management within a single agency, strengthen control and enable rapid response to the needs of the economy.
