St. Petersburg bars migrant workers with ‘labor patents’ from jobs in stores, salons, and gyms. Citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are exempt.

St. Petersburg city officials have implemented a ban on foreign nationals holding labor patents from working in healthcare, hairstyling, beauty services, retail, and sports and fitness services. This prohibition will remain in effect until the end of 2026. The restrictions are intended to address "off-the-books employment." However, the ban does not apply to citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union member states, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as those possessing work permits instead of labor patents.

Earlier this year, St. Petersburg authorities also introduced a similar ban for taxi drivers and couriers, which has been extended through 2026.

The move comes as Russian authorities have tightened their migration policy following a terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall outside Moscow in March 2024. In addition to making it more difficult to obtain Russian residence permits through a fast-track process based on marriage, new rules were introduced for expelling migrants. Schools have also been barred from admitting migrant children who lack Russian-language proficiency.