Setting the quota on foreign workers at a record high of 3.9 million for 2009, but would be politically controversial but, in the current crisis situation, and in light of the severe labor shortage, the government is not expected to hinder the move.
Photo: Yury Martyanov
| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Foreign Worker Limit to Rise to 3.9 Mill.
The government may raise the quota on foreign workers in Russia for this year and set it at a record high of 3.9 million for 2009. At the beginning of this year, the quota was 1.8 million foreign workers. That figure may be raised to 3.2 million. Normally, that decision would be politically controversial but, in the current crisis situation, and in light of the severe labor shortage, the government is not expected to object to the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s initiative.
Since 2006, employers have been required to declare their foreign labor needs for the following year by May 1. That application was approved, as long as the employer has no previous employment violations. The quota is raised as needed. It was raised by 270,000 people for 26 subjects of the federation in July of this year. Moscow, Moscow Region and St. Petersburg have the greatest demand for foreign workers.
“No matter how much you criticize it, the quota system is beginning to work,” commented Deputy Minister of Health and Social Development Maxim Topilin. This year, several regions filled their quotas for foreign workers in May, due to incorrect calculations. Moscow’s quota is 500,000 workers, which has been filled, causing many inconveniences. There are up to 12 million foreigners working illegally in Russia.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Oct. 03, 2008
|
|
|
