The Federation Council supported a number of laws against illegal migration

The Federation Council approved a package of laws aimed at combating illegal migration.

The Council approved a law that imposes a penalty of up to 15 years in prison for organizing illegal migration if committed by a group of individuals or connected with preparation for serious crimes. The law also strengthens penalties for fictitious registration and fictitious registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons, with up to 5 years in prison now imposed for such offenses.

According to another document, a crime committed by a person unlawfully residing in Russia will be considered an aggravating circumstance.

Another law introduces pretrial blocking of information on illegal migration services. Under the new law, if information offering illegal migration services or describing ways of organizing illegal migration is found online, the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation or their deputies can request that Roskomnadzor restrict access to such resources.

Additionally, the Federation Council approved a law prohibiting intermediaries from conducting exams for migrants on the Russian language, Russian history, and the basics of Russian law. Now, certificates confirming successful completion of these exams may only be issued by state institutions included in a special list.

Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko emphasized that these laws are not directed against migrants. "We are restoring order in our own country, which has long been needed, especially regarding illegal migration, which causes significant harm not only to us," stated Valentina Matviyenko.