Those Seeking Residence and Work Permits in Russia Must Pass Several Exams

Labor migrants arriving in Russia must know the Russian language and respect the country's traditions and culture. This was stated by State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, as reported by RBC correspondent.

“It is important for us that those who come to work know the Russian language and respect our traditions and culture. The history we have in common is something I believe no one has forgotten,” Volodin said.

He called for cooperation with friendly countries of Russia to create conditions for citizens to learn the Russian language, as well as for what will be “necessary for their lives here.” According to the State Duma speaker, “many issues arise because the person who came here to work from their country has not learned the language.”

“We must not allow that,” he emphasized.

Foreigners who wish to obtain residence permits, work permits, and temporary residency in Russia are required to pass exams in the Russian language as a foreign language, Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation.

Citizens of EAEU countries, which include Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan along with Russia, are exempt from the need to take such tests.

Examinations for foreigners can be conducted by 12 Russian universities and one organization under the Moscow government. Until recently, the knowledge of migrants could be assessed by commercial platforms that had contracts with universities. However, at the end of April, all 12 universities authorized to conduct testing terminated their contracts with their commercial partners.