The number of labour migrants within the EAEU increased by 2.98%

The Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission has approved the results of monitoring national legislation of the Eurasian Economic Union member states in the field of labour migration for 2023–2024.

According to the study, in 2024, the number of labour migrants within the EAEU increased by 2.98% compared to 2023. It was also noted that the Union countries continue to improve migration regulation, paying particular attention to the rights of EAEU citizens and measures to combat illegal migration.

"It is important that the legislative initiatives of the member states do not contradict the norms of the EAEU Treaty and clearly distinguish between the rights of citizens of the Union and third countries. The monitoring confirms that countries are actively working to create comfortable conditions for labour migrants within the Union, including the digitalisation of public services," said Bakhyt Sultanov, Minister of Economy and Financial Policy of the EEC.

The monitoring showed that member states are implementing measures to attract highly skilled specialists and simplify the stay of citizens of EAEU countries. Among the main changes are the liberalisation of residence rules for labour migrants from Union countries, as well as tighter control over illegal migration and security.

The most significant changes have taken place in Russian legislation, where in 2024 controls on the stay of foreign citizens will be tightened, liability for violations of migration rules will be increased, and the procedure for admitting migrant children to general education institutions will be adjusted.

As part of the monitoring process, the parties noted the need to conduct regular analyses of the national legislation of EAEU member states in the field of labour migration, with annual reports to be submitted to the competent authorities of the Union countries.