The migrant workers are soon to be legally bound to prove the knowledge of the Russian language. The State Duma is expected to pass a law that will require the migrants working in the Communal sector, in Sales and Services sectors to provide the proof of their command of the Russian language, which must not be below the minimum level of a native Russian citizen.

      Similar practices have long been introduced in other European countries that have experienced an influx of migrant workers from Turkey and Central Europe. For instance, in Britain until 2010 the language test was mainly required for students, workers, and those who applied for citizenship. However, the waves of immigration, including illegal and family migration, proved to be hard to manage. The U.K. have since promised to toughen the tests for everyone coming to the country for residence, as well as the general migration rules. As the current PM David Cameron put it, "It is a privilege to come to the UK and that is why I am committed to raising the bar for migrants and ensuring that those who benefit from being in Britain contribute to our society" (The Independent, June 9, 2010). 

      Should the law get through the Duma, the migrants will have to produce a school certificate, or a high education institution diploma. A certificate confirming the result of a Russian language test will also be acceptable.

      Source: AiF.