St. Petersburg bans migrant workers with labor patents from retail, beauty and fitness jobs until 2026
St. Petersburg officials have prohibited foreign nationals holding labor patents from working in stores, salons, gyms and related services, with the restriction lasting through the end of 2026.
Authorities in St. Petersburg have enacted a prohibition that bars foreign nationals who rely on labor patents from taking jobs in health care, hairstyling, beauty services, retail, and sports-fitness sectors. Officials argue the step is necessary to fight off-the-books employment and will remain in force until the close of 2026. The restriction excludes citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union members Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, as well as migrants holding regular work permits.
This follows a comparable ban on taxi drivers and couriers that was first imposed last year and also extended through 2026. The new rules are part of a wider clampdown on migration policy introduced after the March 2024 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall near Moscow, which included stricter residence-permit procedures and limits on migrant school admissions.
Why it matters
The ban limits employment options for many migrant workers and reflects Russia's broader crackdown on undocumented labor.
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