The problem of national security in the field of migration, including labour, includes a number of aspects related to potential risks for the stability and security of the state. These risks can manifest themselves in the social, economic, legal and political spheres, Gulnara Gadzhimuradova writes.

       We will list only some of the risks. Migrants and their families put an additional burden on the education, healthcare, housing and communal services systems; there is a high risk of ethnic and religious conflicts; illegal migration contributes to the development of the shadow economy, tax evasion, etc.; illegal migration encourages corruption in government agencies responsible for monitoring and regulating migration processes and illegal migration is often associated with an increase in crime, including human trafficking and other crimes. The national labour market suffers: migrants working for lower wages cause unfair competition, which leads to increased unemployment and a decrease in incomes. Uncontrolled migration can threaten the national identity of the country and problems related to migration can lead to the destabilisation of the country.

       As we can see, a major problem in the security area lies in illegal migration, which, among other things, gives rise to radicalisation in ethnic communities, ethnic crime, corruption, tax evasion, and socio-political tension in Russian society. Migration is becoming a real factor capable of playing a destabilising role, especially in cases where the stay of migrants in the country is not supported by the system of integration institutions, but is given over to shadow structures, ethnic organisations, and diasporas.

       In our opinion, the question of the necessity of national diasporas in Russia is controversial. Unfortunately, in addition to declaring assistance to their fellow countrymen in the process of their integration into the host society, most diaspora associations today are engaged in encouraging ethnic crime and illegal migration to the Russian Federation. Given the risks and growing economic and socio-political tensions, the migration policy of the Russian Federation, like the migration policy of most countries accepting migrants, is gradually moving from an open one to one which reflects a constantly awareness of security threats. This primarily entails the fight against illegal migration and the transition to a policy of selective migration. Here, it is very useful to reflect upon the migration policymaking experience of countries that have been accepting migrants for decades.

       The experience of countries that are part of the Middle East migration system is interesting. Despite the fact that, for example, in the UAE, the number of labour migrants constitutes 80% of the population, the country has managed to avoid problems with illegal migration and crime. First, only labour migration is encouraged here (we are not talking about educational or recreational migrants). A migrant who has lost his job is immediately subject to deportation from the country, and a ban on family reunification is imposed. The kafala system, despite some of its disadvantages, allows for control over labour migrants in the country.

       The migration policy experience in some Northern European countries also deserves attention. In most countries, the integration of migrants is the responsibility of the "fylke", municipalities, or administrative units, which are responsible for a number of functions, such as healthcare, regional development, education, transport, culture, reception and the integration of migrants. Thus, work with migrants is not only the concern of the state, but also of every citizen of the country. At the same time, a policy of dispersed settlement of migrants is being pursued.

       Today, the policy of stimulating the influx of highly qualified and skilled labour immigrants into the country, as well as educational and so-called "value" migrants who share the "values" of our country seems relevant. Those coming to Russia should respect Russian history, culture, and the traditions of the peoples of Greater Russia. It is precisely such immigrants that can be considered a reserve for replenishing the permanent population of the country.

       Today, an important task of migration policy is the development of the main directions of the strategy in the adaptation and integration of arriving citizens, the protection of the indigenous population, and prevention of violations related to migration.

       Here are some migration policy recommendations for Russia:

       Conduct selective migration

       Attract highly qualified specialists as migrants to the country

       The "Compatriots" programme should be transparent and really work.

       Develop a real programme for migrant integration

       The main provisions of the Executive Order of President of the Russian Federation of October 31, 2018 N 622 (as amended on May 12, 2023) “The State Migration Policy Concept of the Russian Federation for 2019–2025” should be implemented

       Family reunification after 3-5 years

       Dispersed resettlement of migrants

       Prohibition of staying in the country without a job

       At the meeting of the interdepartmental commission of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on improving the state migration policy which was held on July 17 this year, were discussed the progress of an experiment testing new rules and conditions for the entry and exit of foreigners, the creation of digital profiles for foreign citizens, as well as the updated Concept of the state migration policy. An important step in improving the migration policy of Russia should be the introduction of Foreign Citizen Digital Profiles, which will combine all the information about a particular migrant.

       The concept of migration policy for 2019-2025 was updated in a new version as the "Concept of state migration policy for 2026-2030". The new concept should fully reflect the requirements for state migration policy. It is important that such a policy fully corresponds to the threats that Russia faces and contributes to strengthening the country's security and stable socio-economic development, ensuring in every possible way the protection of the interests of Russian citizens.

       Labor migration is a complex phenomenon that can have both a positive and negative impact on national security. In order to minimise the risks associated with labour migration, it is necessary to pursue a balanced migration policy aimed at integrating migrants into society, protecting the rights of migrants, and combating illegal migration. It is also important to monitor migration processes and take into account the risks to national security when making decisions in this area.

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.