Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Irina Yarovaya, representing "United Russia," announced the Russian government's plans to expand the list of infectious diseases for which labor migrants will be screened. This statement was made following a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Yarovaya herself proposed this initiative, noting that the discussion concerned additional measures aimed at maintaining the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of Russians and monitoring the health status of foreign citizens.
However, the specific diseases that may be added to the list remain unknown.
Earlier, three bills aimed at combating illegal migration and protecting public health were submitted to the State Duma. In particular, it is proposed to significantly increase fines for migrants who evade medical examinations by more than 12 times, as well as to grant courts the authority to decide on deportation. Additionally, the proposed amendments introduce bans on mediation in medical examinations and increase liability for carrying out such procedures.
Also, in November of this year, the requirements for labor migrants in Russia regarding obtaining compulsory health insurance policies were tightened. Previously, to be entitled to free medical assistance, migrants had to work in the country for at least three years; however, this period has been extended to five years.
It is worth noting that the law requiring labor migrants to undergo fingerprinting and medical examinations was signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2021 and came into effect at the end of that year. Undergoing a medical examination is a necessary condition for the legal residence and work of migrants in Russia.
The examination includes testing for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, sexually transmitted infections, as well as HIV and drug dependence. Medical certificates are valid for three months from the date of issuance.
