Changes in migration laws in Russia in 2015

Russia is cancelling quotas for migrants from countries with. a visa-free regime. The quota system will be replaced with patents for individuals and legal bodies will use to hire foreign workers. Patents can be obtained within 30 days after entering Russia, allowing foreigners to get jobs. A patent will cost a minimum of 1568 rubles, RIA Novosti reports.

Patents are granted by federal executive structures. Regional authorities may ban employment of foreigners in certain economic sectors.

Migrants will also start taking Russian language, law and history exams today. The exams are compulsory for all foreigners willing to get residency permits and work patents. High-skilled specialists are the only exception.

The rules of entering Russia are changing for CIS citizens on January 1, they need international passports to cross the border now. Head of the Russian Federal Migration Service Constantine Romodanovsky clarified that implementation of the new rules for Kyrgyzstan will be delayed due to negotiations on its membership in the EaEU. The official added that CIS citizens may stay in Russia for 90 days per every 180 days without permits.

Moreover, according to the new law, foreign workers will now get better access to medical aid. Their medical insurance will be stipulated in the work contract. Employers are obliged to sign a deal with a medical organization that would treat their employees if necessary. Employers will pay 1.8% of their workers' salaries to the Social Insurance Fund. Workers will be given the right to medical leave after 6 months of work.