Russland
Starting from March 1, 2026, Russia will implement new medical requirements for foreign citizens planning to engage in labor activities. The Ministry of Health announced that migrants will be required to undergo screening for acute hepatitis, as well as chronic viral hepatitis types B and C.
This requirement applies to all foreign citizens entering Russia for employment, as well as to stateless persons, asylum seekers, and those applying for temporary refuge in the country. The draft amendments to the procedure for conducting medical examinations have been posted on the federal portal of regulatory legal acts. The explanatory note states that these changes are necessary “to improve the organizational foundations and the procedure for conducting medical examinations.”
According to the new regulation, every migrant who wishes to obtain a work permit, temporary residence permit, or permanent residence permit in Russia will have to provide a medical certificate. This rule is based on the law governing the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.
Currently, migrants are mainly tested for the presence of narcotic substances and diseases that pose a danger to others, including HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis, and leprosy. The new requirements provide for broader health monitoring.
Officials state that these measures aim not only at protecting public health but also at expanding opportunities for early detection and treatment of illnesses among migrants. Additionally, they are intended to ensure medical safety in the labor market and to create a healthier environment.
Given that migration processes in Russia have become more active in recent years and the number of labor migrants continues to grow, the new procedure is viewed not only as a preventive measure but also as part of state policy focused on strengthening public health.
This new regulation introduces additional health screening requirements for migrants, aligning with Russia's broader public health policies. While aimed at disease prevention, it also raises questions about the balance between public health interests and the rights of migrants, particularly concerning privacy and potential discrimination.
For migrants seeking employment in Russia, these new requirements may pose additional hurdles and could be perceived as discriminatory. For the general public, the measures are likely to be seen as efforts to protect public health, though they may also contribute to stigmatization of migrant communities.
