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As of the beginning of 2026, there are 5.7 million registered migrants in Russia, which represents a 10% decrease compared to the previous year, when their number was approximately 6.3 million.
This data was presented by Alexander Perezhogin, head of the analytical department of the migration service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as reported by "Vedomosti".
Perezhogin noted that the main reason for the decrease in the number of migrants is the sharp reduction in the number of minor foreign citizens, which has decreased by almost 25%. Since 2025, a ban has been in place on enrolling migrant children in Russian schools unless they have passed a Russian language proficiency test. Furthermore, foreigners who do not provide their children with access to basic education may face the risk of losing their right to stay in the country, as indicated by the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Irina Volk, on January 27.
Experts interviewed by the publication also believe that the reduction in the number of migrants could be attributed to the tightening of migration legislation. Now, migrants who violate the rules are added to a registry of controlled individuals, which limits their ability to marry, manage bank funds, and enroll children in educational institutions.
Additionally, starting in 2025, the conditions for foreigners entering Russia without a visa have changed. Their stay cannot exceed 90 days within a calendar year, whereas previously the rule was 90/180 (three months within a six-month period), experts reminded.
The tightening of migration policy by Russian authorities began after the terrorist attack at "Crocus City Hall" near Moscow in March 2024. In addition to the registry of controlled individuals and mandatory Russian language testing for foreign children, the simplified process for obtaining residency permits for foreigners married to Russian citizens has been restricted.
