Russian language exams for migrants have contributed an additional 2.5 billion rubles (US$30.4 million) to Russia's budget. Fergana news agency says this was announced by the head of the "United Russia" faction, Vladimir Vasilyev, during a meeting of the Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs in the State Duma.
"Previously, this money went into corruption, but now it has entered the treasury," Vasilyev noted.
Meanwhile, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel that during an inspection by Rosobrnadzor (the Russian federal agency overseeing education), violations and misconduct by universities responsible for administering exams to migrants were uncovered.
"Given the laws in place, these actions by university officials and those administering the exams can now be requalified. They fall under Article 322.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, 'Organization of Illegal Migration,' which carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison. It is essential for oversight and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly examine the facts and hold those responsible accountable," Volodin emphasized.
Following the terrorist attack at the Moscow-area Crocus City Hall and the detention of suspected attackers, including citizens of Tajikistan, Russia organized an investigation into the authorities issuing residence permits to foreigners.
In particular, violations were found in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. Investigators discovered an illegal migration channel, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including the head of a language testing center at one university and his deputy.
According to law enforcement, these individuals conducted fraudulent exams and issued certificates of Russian language proficiency, history, and basic legislation in exchange for money. The documents were sold for 15,000 rubles (US$160) each, and the officials earned criminal proceeds of about 7.5 million rubles (nearly US$80,500) per month.
In Moscow, five people were detained in a similar case, including staff from the A.S. Pushkin State Institute of the Russian Language. Soon after, the rector of the institute, Natalia Trukhanovskaya, was dismissed for inadequate oversight of the examination procedure for foreigners.
As a result, in April 2024, private organizations in Russia were banned from administering language exams to migrants, with only universities and state institutions allowed to do so.
In December, the Russian government approved a unified fee for exams for foreigners in different circumstances. For obtaining citizenship, the exam covering the Russian language, history of Russia, and basic legislation costs 2,950 rubles per exam. For obtaining temporary residence or a residence permit, a single exam on language, history, and legislation costs 5,900 rubles. For obtaining a work permit or patent, the exam on the same subjects costs 3,800 rubles.
