Number of Migrants to Sharply Decrease in Russia: Matveev’s Forecast

Over the past year, more than a dozen new laws aimed at combating illegal migration have been adopted. These measures include a substantial increase in fines, deportation with a subsequent lifetime entry ban, and the introduction of mandatory Russian language exams for migrant children.

Mikhail Matveev, a deputy of the State Duma, believes that the tightening of legislation will lead to a reduction in the number of illegal migrants in the country. He notes that not all undocumented migrants currently in Russia will be able to meet the legal deadlines for regularization, which, according to his information, has already resulted in long queues at migration centers. Matveev estimates that the new laws and the creation of a migration service could prompt the departure of about a million people from the country.

"I think there will indeed be a certain decrease in numbers because not all illegal migrants currently in Russia will manage to legalize within the deadlines set by the law. According to my information, there are now long queues at migration centers," the politician said in an interview with the host of the show "Po Faktam" (By the Facts), released by the news agency URA.RU.

However, representatives of diaspora communities express doubts about the effectiveness of the adopted measures. They argue that the tightening of migration laws will not significantly impact the situation, as Russia’s economic attractiveness—in terms of job availability and higher wages—remains a key factor for migrants from neighboring countries.