In 2010, Russia created the quota-exempt Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) work permit category to enable Russian companies to hire skilled foreign workers for up to three years without any quota restrictions. In order to hire these foreign workers, the IT companies first must register with the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media and then pay each foreign worker at least the minimum salary annually. Previously, foreign nationals on HQS permits were to be paid a minimum annual salary of two million rubles (about $58,000 USD). However, as of June 24th of this year, the minimum salary has been lowered to only one million rubles (about $29,000 USD). As the Federal Migration Service is still working on finalizing this change, new work permit applications for HQSs will not be accepted until further notice.
Please note that this is general information only and not intended as advice on a specific matter. Please feel free to contact Fakhoury Global Immigration directly with questions exclusive to your situation. This news alert may have been prepared using information from Peregrine Immigration Management, which is licensed to Fakhoury Global Immigration.