Migrants to be prohibited from working as bus drivers in Yekaterinburg

Authorities in Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast are considering a ban on labor migrants working as drivers in public transport, taxis, and cargo sectors. The proposal, put forth by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, aims to restrict foreign drivers in specific categories of transportation.

Alexander Porubenko, deputy head of the department's supervisory activities directorate, announced the initiative, stating, "Once again, together with the migration departments and the labor inspectorate, we propose to exclude the work of foreign drivers in certain categories." The proposal is scheduled for routine consideration this month, with the findings to be submitted to the governor.

The move comes in the wake of a tragic incident on June 10 in Yekaterinburg. A passenger bus, allegedly driven by a 48-year-old citizen of Kyrgyzstan, collided with a passenger car, veered off the road, and struck a crowd of pedestrians. Four people, including a child, lost their lives in the accident. Investigators cited the bus driver's alleged act of running a red light as the cause. The driver has been placed in pre-trial detention until August 10.

The proposed ban specifically targets migrants working in regular passenger transportation, registered passenger transportation, and the transportation of dangerous goods. The region is actively discussing the implementation of this measure with officials and representatives of carrier companies.

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Once again, together with the migration departments and the labor inspectorate, we propose to exclude the work of foreign drivers in certain categories. This document will be considered routinely this month. Subsequently, the report will be submitted to the governor.