The administration of Saint Petersburg has reportedly intensified its control over the local labor market by expanding the list of economic sectors where foreign workers are prohibited from operating under standard employment patents through the end of 2026. The decree, issued by Governor Aleksandr Beglov, introduces sweeping limitations across several key service industries.

According to the updated regulations, foreign nationals will no longer be permitted to work via patents in retail trade, beauty salons, barbershops, physical culture facilities, and certain medical sectors, including massage parlors and sanatoriums. Local business owners have been granted a transitional period until December 15 to bring their staffing structures into compliance with the new mandates.

Representatives of the Russian authorities claim that the restrictions are allegedly designed to foster a more transparent and regulated labor market that prioritizes local citizens, particularly youth and students. However, exemptions remain in place for nationals of Eurasian Economic Union member states—namely Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan—as well as for officially recognized highly qualified specialists.

Critics and business analysts note that these measures follow a series of similar restrictive policies implemented by the regional authorities, including previous bans on migrant workers operating as taxi drivers and couriers, which critics argue could potentially lead to labor shortages in the service sector.

Source: kun.uz