La introducción de cupos para el empleo de guías turísticos e intérpretes extranjeros en la Federación de Rusia

According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, the public discussion of the Ministry draft order on amending the law “On approval of the list of professions of qualified foreign specialists which do not require quotas to get work permits” have been concluded the other day. The public discussion resulted in taking decision to keep the quotas on employment of foreign specialists working as tour guides and interpreters.

“Thus, foreign nationals from “visa countries” (representatives of these professions) will not be allowed to work in Russia without quotas. They, as well as under the current legislation, will be obliged to obtain a work permit within quotas to hire foreign workers provided by the regions”, – the Ministry press service quotes the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Maxim Topilin. “At the moment the order is being registered in the Russian Ministry of Justice”, – said the head of the Ministry.

Earlier such professions as tour guide and interpreter were included in the list of professions of foreign specialists which do not require quotas to get work permits. However, the results of public discussion of the draft order showed that the professional community opposes the intention of the Ministry of Labour to allow foreign nationals to seek employment in the tourism field without quotas. According to the participants of the tourism market, the abolition of quotas may lead to unemployment in the field of qualified tour guides – Russian citizens, as well as harm incoming tourism and result in uncontrolled growth of the shadow tour market.

The Ministry of Labour has taken into account the opinion of the professional community and has decided not to abolish quotas on employment of foreign guides and interpreters in Russia.