On Tuesday Prime Minister Vladimir Putin discussed with Head of the Federal Migration Service Konstantin Romodanovsky the status of guest workers in Russia.
"Russia is primarily interested in highly qualified specialists," the prime minister recalled.
Romodanovksy replied that the trend towards the arrival of professionals in this country has become more pronounced. "The number of qualified personnel (top technical managers) and highly qualified specialists (that receive two million roubles or more per year) has almost doubled," he said. "Uzbekistan is leading in receiving patents and work permits, whereas China and Ukraine are gaining the lead in receiving work permits for qualified personnel. Highly qualified specialists come from Germany, Britain, France and the United States," he explained.
Romodanovsky also reported that his service issues 4,600 patents daily to CIS residents. However, 200,000 foreigners fined for violating migration laws have left for home without paying anything. As a result, the budget lost half a billion roubles. He suggests that such violators should not be allowed to come to Russia again.
"We keep out of Russia those who have violated the Administrative Offences Code twice. Last year, we did not let 60,000 people in. We don't allow them to come to Russia and consequently don't have to spend money on extraditing them. Let those who don't respect our laws stay in their home country," Romodanovsky said.
"Do the information systems that you are introducing work smoothly?" Putin asked.
Romodanovsky showed the prime minister how they register arrivals and departures, visas and invitations. There is a full electronic file on every guest worker.
"It is necessary to make these electronic systems help regulate this sphere. It is very important not only for the economy but also for the social well-being of our citizens," Putin emphasised.
Larisa Kaftan