Lavrov opposes introducing a visa regime for labor migrants

Introducing a visa regime to tighten entry regulations for labor migrants does not align with the country's interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a government session in the State Duma.

“We believe that control over their behavior should be strengthened. However, we should not create barriers, let alone introduce a visa regime,” Lavrov said in his speech.

He emphasized that “any tightening of policies toward labor migrants from Central Asian countries, particularly the Caucasus and other former Soviet republics, would not serve Russia’s long-term interests.”

According to Lavrov, control in this area is necessary, but it should be implemented “without creating artificial obstacles in relations with our closest allies.” He also pointed out that the foundational documents of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) explicitly state that citizens of all member countries have equal rights.