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Duma requires labour migrants to confirm knowledge of Russian language, laws and history

Exception will be made for highly qualified specialists, disabled persons, minors and Russians living abroad

© ITAR-TASS/Valery Sharifulin

MOSCOW, December 20, 22:55 /ITAR-TASS/. The State Duma lower house of Russian parliament obliges labour migrants to confirm their knowledge of the Russian language, of Russian laws and history. The State Duma passed these amendments to Russian legislation in the second and third readings on Friday.

The law envisages that foreign citizens seeking a temporary residence permit, a residence permit, a work permit or a license must documentedly confirm the knowledge of the Russian language, of Russian history and fundamentals of Russian laws.

Accepted as such proofs will be diplomas and certificates of state pattern about education (no lower than secondary) issued by an educational establishment on the territory of a state that was part of the USSR before September 1, 1991 and documents about education and qualification issued to persons who passed successfully state certification on Russian territory from September 1, 1991.

Exception will be made for highly qualified specialists, disabled persons, minors (aged up to 18 years), as well as beneficiaries of the programme of assistance in voluntary transfer to Russia of compatriots living abroad.

The bill is to go into effect as of January 1, 2015.

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