Employers of foreign workers in Russia are inspected more often than most, and inspections have become stricter since 2024. Two authorities matter most: the migration divisions of the MVD, which check the legality of foreign nationals' work and stay, and the labour inspectorate, which checks working conditions, pay and safety. An employer with orderly files and a responsible person on site usually comes through quickly. An employer without them can face per-worker fines or suspension of activity.
What MVD Migration Officers Check
Inspections can be planned or unplanned, and unplanned visits are common at construction sites, warehouses and hostels. Officers typically look at:
- Each worker's work permit — valid, and matching the employer, profession and region
- Visas — valid and of the right type
- Migration registration — at the address where the worker actually lives
- Contract notifications — filed within three working days of signing and termination
- Medical insurance — valid for each worker
- The quota and permission to employ — covering the numbers and professions on site
A worker doing a job different from the profession on their permit, or working in another region, is a frequent finding. So is a worker registered at one address but living at another.
What Labour Inspectors Check
Labour inspectors look at the employment relationship itself:
- Employment contracts — properly concluded, in Russian, with required terms
- Working time and overtime — recorded and paid correctly
- Wages — in roubles, paid no less often than twice monthly, never below the legal minimum
- Safety — induction, training and PPE issue recorded
- The special assessment of working conditions — completed for workplaces
- Accommodation, where provided, may be relevant to safety and conditions
Foreign workers have the same labour rights as Russian employees. Inspectors take complaints seriously, and a worker who feels cheated can file one.
A File-by-File Checklist
Keep one file per worker, physical or digital, containing:
- Passport copy and visa
- Migration card
- Work permit
- Registration notice with address
- Employment contract
- Contract notification to the MVD and proof of submission
- VHI policy
- Medical results
- Safety induction and training records
- PPE issue record
- Payslips
Keep one company file containing the quota approval, permission to employ, invitation records and the special assessment of working conditions.
The Responsible Person
Inspectors want to speak to someone who knows the files. Appoint a migration coordinator who can produce documents quickly and explain the workforce. On large sites, give the site manager a summary sheet listing every foreign worker, their permit number and expiry, so a surprise visit does not depend on someone at head office answering the phone.
Hostels and Accommodation
Officers sometimes inspect accommodation rather than worksites. Make sure the people living there match the registration records, that occupancy is reasonable and that safety standards are met. Workers should carry their documents or certified copies.
When You Use Subcontractors
General contractors are increasingly expected to know who is working on their sites. If a subcontractor employs Indian workers, ask for evidence of permits, registration and notifications. Our agency contract checklist covers what to require from suppliers.
After an Inspection
If a deficiency is found, correct it immediately and keep evidence of the correction. Take legal advice before signing any protocol you disagree with. Analyse what went wrong — usually a process gap rather than one person's mistake — and fix the process.
What We Provide From India
For each deployment we give the employer a complete document set: passport copies, visa details, medical summaries, trade test records and signed offer letters. That is the start of each worker's file. Recruitment through India's eMigrate system also gives an auditable record of how each worker was recruited.
Related Reading
See the registration and notification checklist, what tightened in 2025–2026 and best practices for hiring Indian manpower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common finding in MVD inspections?
Workers doing a different job or working in a different region from their permit, registration at the wrong address, and missed 3-day contract notifications.
Do labour inspectors check foreign workers’ pay?
Yes. Foreign workers have the same labour rights as Russians, and inspectors check contracts, working time, wages and safety records.
