Russia's Interior Minister supports tough national migration policy

Russia's Interior Minister, Chairman of the "United Russia" party's Superior council Boris Gryzlov believes Russia must develop a tougher migration policy. Gryzlov expressed this opinion when speaking at an All-Russia meeting of regional mass media representatives on Friday. "Russia should not be a territory hosing illegal immigrants," the Interior Minister stressed. He believes migration policy must work for the country's good".

Gryzlov pointed out that "in the 1990s the country did not have a reasonable migration policy." Now "the system is developing, and we must clear our territory from illegal immigrants," according to the Minister.

This year, Russia has deported over ten thousand illegal immigrants, Boris Gryzlov reported. He expressed his indignation concerning the fact that after the deportation of 150 illegal immigrants from Tajikistan mass media "raised an issue on admissibility of such measures".

The Interior Ministry is currently preparing a number of amendments to the legislation aiming at toughening Russia's migration policy. In two months foreigners staying in Russia without a migration card "will be considered illegal immigrants", the Minister pointed out. "Moreover, the policy towards employers breaking these quotas will also be tough," the Interior Minister stated.