A proposal has been submitted to the government of the Russian Federation to introduce a tax for labor migrants at a rate of 5.1% of their salary. The funds collected through this tax are planned to be used for educational initiatives for newcomers, including Russian language training, fundamentals of Russian legislation, and support for social integration.
The corresponding appeal from the Institute for Socio-Economic Analysis and Program Development (ISAPR) was sent to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Letters were also sent to the speakers of the Federation Council and the State Duma, Valentina Matvienko and Vyacheslav Volodin.
“We believe that one of the effective economic measures for the speedy integration of labor migrants into the Russian socio-cultural space could be the introduction of a mandatory monthly tax on labor migrants at a rate of 5.1% of their wages, with these funds subsequently credited to the country`s regional budgets. The proposed tax rate corresponds to payments for mandatory medical insurance within the structure of the Unified Social Tax,” states the appeal addressed to Mishustin, signed by ISAPR Director Andrey Shurikov.
The experts emphasize that the specific use of these deductions should be directed towards educational programs (studying the Russian language and the basics of Russian law), cultural and educational events (familiarization with the traditions, history, and secular norms of Russian society), and social adaptation (assistance in integration without infringing upon the interests of the local population).
The appeal notes that with the growth of labor migration in Russia, issues of adapting foreign workers to the social and cultural norms of Russian society are becoming particularly relevant. “To strengthen social stability, harmonize interethnic relations, and prevent possible conflicts, it is necessary to actively involve migrants in integration processes, providing them not only with legal but also with cultural and educational support,” ISAPR believes.
The institute added that earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the necessity of creating conditions under which those coming to the country for work would be fluent in Russian, respect Russian traditions, and know the laws.
The experts are requesting the cabinet and parliament to consider the proposal to introduce a mandatory monthly tax on labor migrants. The institute`s staff are ready to provide expert support and participate in the development of regulatory documents.
