Doctors in Russian hospitals must know Russian, State Duma proposes

Russia's State Duma is reviewing a proposal that would mandate medical professionals working in Russian hospitals to possess knowledge of the Russian language. This initiative is part of broader efforts to refine the country's migration policies, which have seen 27 federal laws passed since 2024, with 21 initiated by deputies, according to State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.

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However, a list of professions remains where migrants can be employed outside the quota for work permits. It still includes 192 specialties. Among them are 38 positions for doctors and 46 for mid-level medical staff. This raises questions and concerns. Especially in the healthcare sector.

Volodin noted that while a system to combat illegal migration is in place, many foreign nationals still come to Russia primarily for work. He acknowledged that issues surrounding labor migration remain incompletely regulated. Regions have gained authority to restrict migrant employment in specific sectors based on work permits, a power increasingly utilized by Russian subjects – rising from 43 in 2024 to 56 currently. Furthermore, the list of qualified foreign specialists eligible for simplified residency permits has been significantly shortened, from over 200 to just 29 specialties.

However, a substantial list of 192 professions, including 38 doctor positions and 46 for mid-level medical staff, still allows migrants to be employed outside the quota for work permits. This situation has raised concerns, particularly within the healthcare sector. Data from the Prosecutor General's Office indicates that in 2025, violations were identified in the accreditation of medical specialists educated abroad in 27 regions. In 17 regions, individuals were found to be employed without necessary qualification confirmation.

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We believe it is right to intervene in this situation. We will consider the issue at the State Duma Council in the near future.

"We believe it is right to intervene in this situation. We will consider the issue at the State Duma Council in the near future," Volodin stated. He emphasized the need for transparency and the understanding that "in our country, especially in sectors like healthcare, highly qualified specialists who know the Russian language must work."

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Transparency and the understanding that in our country, especially in such sectors as healthcare, highly qualified specialists who know the Russian language must work are necessary.