Russia has unveiled a draft law seeking to significantly tighten its migration regime by barring foreign nationals with criminal records from obtaining citizenship or residence permits.
The proposal, prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, would require all migrants applying for Russian citizenship or residency to present an official certificate confirming they have no criminal convictions in their country of origin.
Under the proposed legislation, the burden of proof rests entirely with applicants, who must secure the documentation before their applications can be considered.
The Interior Ministry said the move is aimed at strengthening national security by preventing individuals with prior criminal histories from acquiring legal status in Russia.
The rule would apply to all categories of foreign nationals, with even minor offences recorded abroad potentially disqualifying applicants from the process.
The proposal comes amid broader efforts by the Russian government to overhaul migration policies.
Over the past two years, authorities have rolled out increasingly strict measures targeting foreign workers and long-term residents, particularly following the March 2024 Crocus City Hall terrorist attack near Moscow, which officials linked to suspects of Tajik origin.
The incident intensified public pressure for tighter security controls and stricter oversight of migrant communities.
The proposed changes also come against the backdrop of rising security concerns within Russia.
Data from the Prosecutor General’s Office shows that 27,124 crimes were registered in the first half of 2025—the highest figure in 12 years and nearly 4,000 more cases than during the same period the previous year.
The rise in serious and violent crimes has coincided with the return of more than 130,000 veterans from the war in Ukraine, including thousands recruited from prisons.
Russian media have documented at least 378 civilian deaths and 376 serious injuries linked to incidents involving returning soldiers across 80 regions, highlighting challenges related to reintegration, trauma, alcohol abuse, and access to weapons.
Crime has also had far-reaching economic consequences.
Organised crime, cybercrime, corruption, and financial fraud have increased operating costs for businesses, weakened institutions, discouraged investment, and strained public finances.
Analysts note that legal uncertainty and criminal influence have driven away some foreign investors, while cybercrime and illicit trade have expanded the shadow economy.
Collectively, these pressures have slowed economic growth, reduced productivity, and deepened inequality, reinforcing the government’s argument for stricter migration and security policies as it grapples with both internal and external challenges.
