Russia makes life hell for migrants, main punitive measure is forceful conscription to Ukraine war

Ethnic enclaves formed by extended families of migrant workers can be hotbeds for the spread of extremist ideologies, former Russian president and the deputy chair of the country’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, believes.

Medvedev made the remarks during a meeting to address migration and potential improvements to the country’s legislation in this field. Extended families brought in by migrant workers create various issues in Russia, he said.

“The prolonged stay of migrant workers’ family members puts a very serious strain on the social sphere of our country. And in some cases, it causes tensions between ethnic groups,” Medvedev stated.

Some of the migrants and their family members “do not work or study anywhere” and “do not want to comply with the norms of Russian legislation,” the former president observed.

“Ethnic enclaves that emerge can become breeding grounds for extremism,” he warned.

More than 40% of some 200,000 migrant children currently studying in Russia demonstrate “insufficient” knowledge of the Russian language, Medvedev stated. Earlier this month, Russia introduced new rules requiring the children of migrants to undergo mandatory Russian language tests. The system is expected to be implemented next spring, with those who fail being barred from attending regular schools.

Over the past few months, Russia has tightened migration laws, with multiple new initiatives adopted or considered by the country’s parliament. Medvedev has been among the most vocal proponents of such changes, arguing that migrants who do not work or study in the country should ultimately leave.

In September, the ex-president suggested that seasonal migrant workers should be prohibited from bringing in their families.

“I am a proponent of this, as applied to schools, migrant families, and enclaves. Of course, we won’t be able to overcome every tendency there, but what can be done? If a person comes to us for seasonal work – why the hell does he drag his family along with him?” Medvedev said at the time.

Russia has sent many immigrants who recently received citizenship to join the military fighting in Ukraine. Military service is mandatory in Russia for all men aged 18-27, although Russia has vastly widened the scope of who it seeks to see in the military after huge losses suffered in its war against Ukraine. Russia has sought to replenish its military ranks through other means, including the recruitment of migrants and new Russian citizens, likely hoping to avoid changing the rules on conscript deployment or a repeat of the unpopular mobilization drive in the fall of 2022.