Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested to the government today to tighten immigration legislation. During a meeting with activists of the "United Russia" party he noted that changes to the legislation are already on the way and that the first reading of the bill has already been passed in the State Duma. "The project has provisions for criminal responsibility for those who repeatedly violate immigration laws," he said.
Streamlining the situation in the sphere of migration should be conducted in many areas, including the places of residence of migrants and their places of origin. In addition, the president underlined the need to fight corruption.
Putin called on the prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, who also took part in the meeting, "to determine the types of activities for migrant workers." "In some areas they could be replaced by local citizens," the president said.
At the same time, Putin said that migrants should not be treated as potential criminals. "There are good, law-abiding people, and then there are criminals. It does not depend on religion or ethnicity," he stressed.
