Russia's new bill targets migrant housing near schools
A group of deputies from the Russian LDPR party has developed a draft law aimed at prohibiting the housing of migrants near educational facilities such as schools and kindergartens. According to the draft, the minimum distance would be approximately 200 metres.
The explanatory note stated that current legal regulations do not impose any restrictions regarding the location of residential areas for migrant workers.
We are preparing a draft law that would impose a ban on housing migrant workers less than 200 metres from the territory of educational organizations. We also consider it extremely important to prohibit the registration of migrants on the premises of schools, kindergartens, and other institutions where children are present, said the faction leader Leonid Slutsky as quoted by the Russian news agency TASS.
Migrants a threat to children?
According to Slutsky, a large number of foreigners often reside near educational facilities, which, in the event of antisocial behaviour, can pose a "potential threat to the safety of children." "The Moscow Times" also reported documentation noting instances where migrant workers live directly on the grounds of educational institutions during renovation work.
Slutsky points out that it also happens that migrants are housed in buildings belonging to educational institutions, which temporarily do not serve their original function. These facilities, despite being rented, formally remain designated for educational purposes.
A recent example is the news about migrant workers living in a kindergarten building in the Perm Region, which is rented out to a local company - emphasized in the explanatory note.
Russia wants to control migrant flow
At the end of November, "Meduza" reported that the presidential administration (AP) expressed concern over the effects of an intensifying anti-immigrant campaign, which gained momentum following the terrorist attack at "Crocus City Hall." In response, the Kremlin took actions to ease hostility towards migrants. State authorities and propaganda media were tasked with changing the narrative regarding newcomers, presenting them in a more positive light.
Initially, the topic of migration was used as a tool to divert public attention from problems arising from the prolonged war and economic difficulties. However, over time, tightening migration policies had the opposite effect, exacerbating the labour shortage in the country. As Russian sources emphasize, the political bloc of the AP is aware that Russia does not have other means to fill staffing gaps and is largely dependent on migrants.
According to "The Moscow Times," the Kremlin decided to convince the public that authorities will be able to effectively control the flow of migrants into the country and actively support their integration into Russian society through various measures.
