The President of Russia signed Federal Law No. 339-FZ of October 12, 2026, which ratified the Agreement between the Governments of Russia and the Republic of India on the temporary employment of citizens. The document establishes the legal framework for the work of Indian specialists in Russia and Russian citizens in India.
As follows from the text of the agreement, one of the key innovations is a mechanism for protecting the labor rights of migrants upon loss of employment. In particular, the document expressly provides for the possibility of changing employers in the event of early termination of an employment contract. The grounds for this may be the cessation of the employer's activity or staff reduction.
To conclude a new contract with another employer, a number of conditions must be met. First, at least three months must remain before the expiration of the original work permit. Second, the new employer must have a permit to attract and use foreign workers. Upon dismissal for the above reasons, the employee is also entitled to compensation provided for both by the local legislation of the country of employment and by the terms of the employment contract itself.
The agreement covers a wide range of legal relations. It applies to Indian citizens temporarily working in Russia and to Russians working in India. The document applies to persons permanently residing in their own country but legally present and working in the territory of another state without its citizenship. Both employment contracts and contracts for the performance of work or provision of services fall under its regulation. The exception is territories, organizations and facilities for entry into which foreigners require special permission.
During the period of employment, the legislation of the host country and the provisions of the agreement apply to employees. The main condition for employment remains the possession of a work permit. Performing other paid activity besides that specified in the document is prohibited and entails the annulment of the permit. An exception is made for full-time students in secondary vocational education programs: they may work in their free time from study, but upon completion or early termination of their studies, the contract is terminated.
The document separately sets out guarantees of remuneration. Working conditions must be no less favorable than those provided by the legislation of the host country for its citizens in similar employment. Upon termination of work, the employer is obliged, at the employee's request, to issue a certified document on the duration and nature of the work, as well as on wages by month.
The agreement will enter into force after both parties complete the necessary domestic procedures and exchange written notifications.
Frequently asked questions:
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What agreement did Putin sign with India?
The Agreement between the Governments of Russia and the Republic of India on the temporary employment of citizens of one state in the territory of the other was ratified (Federal Law No. 339-FZ of 10/12/2026). It regulates the working conditions of Indians in Russia and Russians in India. -
Can an Indian citizen change employers upon staff reduction?
This will be possible after the new agreement between Russia and India enters into force. Under the agreement, in the event of early termination of a contract due to the cessation of the employer's activity or staff reduction, it is possible to conclude a contract with a new employer for the remaining term of the work permit, provided that at least three months remain before its expiration and the new employer has a permit to attract foreign workers. -
What documents does a foreigner need to work in Russia?
As a rule, a work permit. Working in a position other than that specified in the permit is prohibited and entails the annulment of the document. There are exceptions. -
Is a foreigner entitled to compensation upon dismissal due to staff reduction?
Yes, compensation is paid in accordance with the legislation of the country of employment and in accordance with the employment contract (paragraph 1 of Article 9 of the agreement). -
When will the Russia-India agreement enter into force?
From the date of receipt of the last written notification of the completion by both countries of the necessary domestic procedures (paragraph 1 of Article 14 of the agreement). -
Who does the agreement apply to?
It applies to Indian citizens temporarily working in Russia and to Russians temporarily working in India who permanently reside in their own country, are legally present and work in another without its citizenship and permanent residence. Employment contracts and contracts for the performance of work/services are covered. -
What remuneration conditions are provided?
Remuneration and working conditions must be no less favorable than those provided by the legislation of the host country for its citizens for similar work (paragraph 1 of Article 8). -
What will change compared to the current Federal Law No. 115-FZ?
Paragraph 13 of Article 18 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ already allows changing employers upon cessation of the employer's activity or annulment of its permit. The agreement expressly adds the ground of "staff reduction," which is not in Federal Law No. 115-FZ.
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