Translated with AI
The Government of the Russian Federation, at the request of the State Duma, has excluded from the list of foreign specialists who were planned to be exempted from mandatory exams on knowledge of the Russian language, history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation, professions that require direct communication with citizens. Among them are drivers, salespeople and medical workers. This was reported by the press service of the State Duma.
"The government heard the State Duma's appeal," said State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. He noted that all comments from parliamentarians were taken into account, and the relevant ministries prepared the corresponding changes to departmental orders.
It was previously assumed that foreign citizens coming to Russia to work under government quotas would be exempt from mandatory exams in Russian language, history and legislation. However, deputies emphasized that representatives of professions associated with constant communication with the population are required to speak Russian and know the legislation.
The bill on exemption of foreign workers from exams is planned to be considered at the plenary session of the State Duma on July 22, 2025. The second reading took place on July 17, but then Speaker Volodin proposed postponing the third reading until clarifications and official documents are received from the Ministry of Labor, taking into account all the questions of parliamentarians.
“We represent our citizens, and everything that the deputies say is an appeal from people who want to understand why drivers and salespeople can be exempt from exams if they need to communicate with people and know the laws,” Volodin emphasized, addressing Deputy Minister of Labor Andrei Pudov.
