The State Duma (Russia’s lower chamber of parliament) members have proposed introducing a reward system for Russian citizens who provide reliable information about violations of immigration laws committed by foreigners.
The corresponding proposal, prepared by the State Duma members from the "New People" party, was sent to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, and became known through RIA Novosti.
The authors of the initiative explained that the idea involves monetary rewards for information about individuals who, to legally stay in Russia, must have registration, a work permit (patent), or a valid visa.
It is proposed that rewards be paid for each identified illegal migrant.
The lawmakers also suggested increasing the fines from the current 2,000–7,000 rubles to 100,000 rubles in cases where an administrative expulsion decision is made regarding the foreigner.
"Half of the income from the 100,000-ruble fine and from the confiscation of property should be transferred to the citizen whose report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs led to the detention and deportation of the illegal migrant," the parliamentarians stated.
According to them, the promise of financial compensation would motivate citizens to actively inform law enforcement agencies about foreigners staying in the country illegally.
Founded in 2020, New People is considered a liberal party, and observers also often refer to it as centrist or center-right.
The party opposes many policies of the incumbent United Russia government, although it has adopted an agnostic to moderately supportive stance towards Vladimir Putin specifically.
New People is led by cosmetic company Faberlic founder Alexey Nechayev since its first party congress, held on August 8, 2020, in Moscow. Alexander Davankov is the head of the party executive committee.
The party won 5.43% of the nationwide vote in the 2021 Russian legislative election, gaining 13 seats in the State Duma.
