Migrants in Russia Forced to Buy Surveillance Phones: Penalties for Non-Compliance.

Russia’s New Migrant Tracking System

According to Укрінформ — Мігранти: Russia’s Interior Ministry now mandates that migrants purchase mobile phones equipped with electronic profiles to monitor their whereabouts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to exert comprehensive control over foreigners within the country. A key element of this effort is the testing of a mobile application called 'Amina,' currently underway in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Under the new rules, foreigners must keep their devices’ location tracking active at all times. If the app fails to transmit coordinates for three consecutive days, the individual is added to a registry of monitored persons. Consequences for failing to comply are severe, ranging from bank card freezes to deportation. Additionally, tax authorities share quarterly reports on migrants’ earnings, highlighting the extensive oversight of their activities.

International Concerns Raised

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service states that 'the direct and sole purpose of this measure is total surveillance and round-the-clock geolocation tracking of every person entering the country.'

Russian authorities have long been collecting geolocation data on their own citizens through state-controlled mobile operators. As a result, 'these repressive rules also harshly affect the children of foreigners.' If migrant parents fail to meet the new requirements, their minor children may only remain in Russia for the duration of the parents’ work patent.

These developments underscore a growing trend of migrant control in Russia, raising alarms about potential human rights violations. The international community may increasingly criticize Russia for restricting the rights of foreigners and their families, which could impact diplomatic relations and the country’s global image. Meanwhile, Russia’s leadership likely views these measures as a tool to enhance security and maintain control amid domestic and foreign policy challenges.