Russia enforces mobile tracking system for migrants amid crackdown

In Russia, a new digital surveillance program targeting migrants will begin on September 1, 2025. This initiative, primarily focused in Moscow where a significant number of migrant workers reside, mandates that migrants install a mobile application that monitors their location. The app will share real-time geolocation data with law enforcement agencies, claiming to combat crime associated with migration. However, this program has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, who see it as a potential violation of privacy rights and an example of repressive governmental measures. Non-compliance could result in migrants being added to a watch list and facing deportation. Additionally, the program includes extensive biometric registration requirements, including fingerprinting and biometric photos. The Russian State Duma, which enacted this initiative, argues that it will improve the oversight of migrants and reduce related violations and crimes. However, skepticism remains about the underlying motives for such measures, particularly in light of ongoing tensions regarding military service obligations for individuals of migrant backgrounds since the Ukrainian conflict began. Critics suggest that the surveillance program could further compel foreign workers to sign military contracts due to economic pressures. The Russian authorities' approach towards migrants appears to be increasingly aggressive, with reports of joint raids by various governmental bodies aimed at identifying migrants who have not registered for military service. Authorities boast of having caught thousands of individuals—including both migrants and Russian citizens—while also funneling young males of Russian nationality into military service. The concerns over this digital tracking program echo sentiments regarding the treatment of migrants in various global contexts, drawing comparisons to similar systems used in the United States for tracking unauthorized immigrants. The introduction of such measures in Russia illustrates a broader trend in migration policy focused on control, security, and oversight, raising questions about the implications for migrant rights and the future of labor in the country. As this pilot program is slated to run until 2029, its ramifications will likely reverberate throughout the migrant population in Russia, influencing the dynamics of migration and labor markets.