Russian PM says nearly 840,000 illegal migrants in country as government launches 'register of controlled persons'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday that, according to data from early February, approximately 840,000 migrants are currently staying illegally in the country.

Presenting a report on the government's 2025 performance to the State Duma, the lower chamber of parliament, Mishustin said the Cabinet is working to create conditions that would allow foreign workers to have a solid foundation for employment in Russia and avoid legal problems.

"In 2025, the register of controlled persons was finally launched. This is an important area of our work. These are those who are illegally in Russia. There are about 840,000 of them as of February 6th," he said.

According to him, illegal migrants have been restricted in certain opportunities, including movement, driving vehicles, financial transactions, marriage, and banking services.

Turning to the state of the economy, Mishustin said the government has managed to halt inflation growth and is developing measures to sustain economic development amid unprecedented external pressure and sanctions.

He said the most difficult situation is in the housing and communal services sector, which requires comprehensive modernization.

Mishustin also announced that the government plans to implement reforms in the education system and is working to improve the demographic situation.

Regarding the healthcare sector, he described the situation as generally satisfactory.