The situation with labor migration in Russia has radically changed, and now Moscow is no longer the only center of attraction for migrants from the CIS. Long lines at migration centers, high housing prices, and fierce competition for jobs are forcing many to seek more profitable and safer alternatives. In this regard, the question arises: where is it easier and more profitable for foreigners to work in Russia today?
More and more often, the answer to this question is found in the regions of Russia. For example, in the Republic of Tatarstan, starting from January 1, 2026, the cost of a work patent is about $100, which is 30% lower than in Moscow and the surrounding area.
Subjects of the Russian Federation, focusing on support, adaptation, and clear conditions, are actively attracting migrants from Kyrgyzstan who seek not only to earn money but also to create a stable future for themselves.
NEW RULES FOR SUCCESS
A transparent migration policy is important not only for tax revenues but also for forming a safe social environment. Understanding who works and where helps create protected working conditions for foreigners.
However, many bloggers and media often present Russian migration policy in a negative light. Nevertheless, the changes taking place indicate that it is not about closing borders, but about establishing order and creating legal conditions for work.
In recent years, mechanisms for migration amnesty and official employment programs have been implemented, creating an understanding that it is possible to work legally and safely in Russia using the tools provided.
Migration amnesty has already helped thousands of foreigners restore their legal status. The goal of the state is not to abandon labor resources but to streamline the system and provide a chance for those willing to work honestly and within the law. Mechanisms are being created that allow individuals to correct their status and avoid deportation for those who want to live and work legally.
The update of migration rules aims to bring the employment process out of the "gray zone." Digital registries, employer checks, and increased accountability are intended to make the system more transparent and predictable, which in the long term should lead to the creation of a fairer model.
PROSPECTS FOR KYRGYZ GIRLS
Discussions about migration difficulties are often focused on Moscow and the surrounding area, which is explained by the fact that this is where the main flow of labor migrants is directed. High competition, overcrowded migration centers, and expensive housing rentals make this region less attractive.
However, in other regions of Russia, such as the Republic of Tatarstan, the situation is significantly more comfortable and manageable. Here, migration processes are organized, and the interaction between business, government, and foreign workers is more structured. This allows for a transition from chaotic migration to organized and legal employment formats.
Every year, the Government and the Ministry of Labor of Russia establish quotas for the employment of foreign employees, which are distributed by region. The majority of Tatarstan's quotas are directed towards large producers, such as the Special Economic Zone "Alabuga" and PJSC "KAMAZ."
The organization of migration processes varies by region. In the Moscow region, there is only one large migration center (in Sakharovo), which creates a heavy workload and long queues when submitting documents.
In Tatarstan, however, the situation is much more convenient. The majority of labor migrants are distributed among several large cities, where there are no long queues and waiting times. Today, the Republic of Tatarstan is becoming one of the most attractive regions for labor migration due to its developed infrastructure and systematic approach to attracting personnel.
The Republic not only accepts foreign specialists but also creates conditions for their professional growth and adaptation. In this regard, the "Alabuga Start" program has been launched based at the special economic zone "Alabuga."
The program is aimed at young girls from Kyrgyzstan aged 16 to 22, offering them legal employment opportunities in Russia with social guarantees and career growth prospects.
Participants in the program receive support at all stages of document processing, after which they can be employed in seven areas: from catering, service, and hospitality to finishing works and logistics. The special economic zone provides flights to Tatarstan, accommodation in corporate hostels on preferential terms, and transportation to the workplace.
Salaries start at $860 per month. In addition, participants receive medical insurance and clear career prospects: they undergo professional training on the job and can expect promotions every six months.
Moreover, the "Alabuga Start" program offers girls a unique opportunity to get acquainted with Russia and its cultural traditions. Participants not only immerse themselves in the professional environment but also explore museums, get to know major cities in the region, and study the history and attractions of the country, allowing them to broaden their horizons and make new acquaintances.
This approach, where future workers arrive with a pre-defined professional trajectory, significantly changes the nature of migration. Instead of uncertainty and lack of guarantees, there are now transparent rules, legal status, and a clear action plan.
STAFF PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH FROM THE CIS
The "Alabuga Start" program is aimed at girls, while for boys in Tatarstan, the "Alabuga Polytech" program is being implemented, aimed at training specialists in technical and engineering fields for enterprises in the region.
The educational center offers relevant directions, including industrial robotics, web development, and biotechnology. Education is built on a dual system, where theoretical knowledge is immediately supported by practical skills. Importantly, participants can officially be employed from the first year, allowing them to earn money throughout their studies.
This format is particularly attractive to youth who view moving to Russia as an opportunity not only to earn money but also to gain a promising specialty for a long-term career.
In the context of tightening labor migration rules in Russia, it is important for foreign workers not only to consider the salary level but also the working environment itself: the availability of legalization, the attitude of employers, and the ability to plan their future.
Experience from various regions shows that it is the systematic approach, rather than a spontaneous labor market, that creates new points of attraction for migrants from the CIS, making the employment process more understandable, manageable, and beneficial for all participants.
