Russia to Expel Adult Children of Migrant Workers

New bill would require migrants' kids to leave country or apply for work permit at 18

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would require children of migrants working in the country with a patent to leave the country upon reaching 18 or apply for a patent themselves. The proposed legislation is part of a broader crackdown on migration in Russia.

Why it matters

This new policy would significantly impact the lives of thousands of families in Russia, forcing adult children of migrant workers to either leave the country or obtain their own work permits, potentially separating families. It reflects Russia's increasingly restrictive stance on immigration and integration of foreign-born residents.

The details

The bill would require children of migrants in Russia who are working on a patent - a temporary work permit - to either leave the country or apply for their own patent once they turn 18. Migrants' children who fail to comply could face deportation. The proposed legislation is part of a broader set of policies aimed at limiting migration and tightening control over foreign-born residents in Russia.

  • The Russian government submitted the bill to the State Duma on February 21, 2026.

The players

Russian Government

The executive branch of the Russian Federation that has proposed the new legislation to expel adult children of migrant workers.

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The takeaway

This new policy reflects Russia's increasingly restrictive approach to immigration, prioritizing the expulsion of foreign-born residents over family unity and integration. It could have significant humanitarian consequences for thousands of families in Russia.