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Federation of Migrants: Labor migrants leaving Russia en masse

19 December 2014 15:36 (UTC +04:00)

This was stated by head of Russia’s Federation of Migrants, Muhammad Amin, APA’s Moscow correspondent reports.

He said 25 percent of migrants are planning to leave Russia following the New Year: “They want to continue their work in other countries. There are two underlying reasons for this. The first is the depreciation of ruble, and the second is the bill which is due to enter into force on 1 January 2015 requiring labor migrants to take examination on Russia’s language, history, and legislation. The main reason is the current economic situation in the country and drastic measures on migration laws”.

However, M. Amin did not rule out a possible increase in the number of illegal migrants.

Chairman of the Tajik Labor Migrants public union, leader of the Tajik Diaspora in Russia Karomat Sharipov said Tajik labor migrants intend to leave Russia.

“There is such a tendency, which is not only related to the devaluation of Russian ruble compared to foreign currency. The bill on migration, which is due to enter into force on 1 January 2015, is not suitable for many for financial reasons. The examinations will cost migrants 30,000 rubles (USD 500). Taking the ticket and the permission to work, that is labor patent into account, along with the depreciation of ruble will be a major blow to migrants coming to Russian for work,” he added.

K. Sharipov said most of Tajiks are indebted to local banks in their own country. To cover their debts, these migrants will have to look for a job in other countries.

The leader of the Tajik Diaspora also said that the situation is dangerous: “Former migrants can now turn into mercenary fighters. This danger exists. There such discussions among youths. Manu of them have loan debts in dollar in Tajikistan. I don’t rule out they would head to “hot spots” to make money”.