Police concerned about large number of migrant children in Rostov schools
Authorities in Rostov have increased work permit fees to reduce the influx of migrant children in local schools, citing concerns over integration and crime.
Feb 4, 2026 0
A classroom scene illustrating the high proportion of migrant children in Rostov schools.
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Half of all migrants in the region live in Rostov. In some schools in the area, the number of foreign children already makes up half of all students. Why this is causing concern among authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) was discussed at a meeting of the Don police board.
Alexander Rechitsky, head of the regional MVD, addresses a meeting on migration issues.
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The head of the regional department Alexander Rechitsky stated that Rostov Oblast has prevented interethnic «confrontations» and mass unrest. The number of newcomers in the region has increased by 2% over the year. But the number of crimes committed by foreigners is also growing.
«The number of crimes committed by foreign citizens has increased by 3%. Such incidents can lead to interethnic tension,» said Governor Yury Slyusar at the meeting.
According to the MVD, 48% of migrants (nearly 75,000 people) live in Rostov. Of them, another quarter are registered in the Pervomaisky District, specifically in the Temernik microdistrict.
«I would like to separately note that over 20,000 minor children of migrants (21,570 people) are studying in schools of Rostov Oblast, including those whose parents have obtained Russian citizenship. Their total number does not exceed 5% of all schoolchildren, but the fact that in 21 educational institutions of the Don region [out of 521] the number of children of non-indigenous nationality already exceeds 50% of all students causes serious concern,» noted Alexander Rechitsky.
Police fear the formation of national enclaves and interethnic or religious conflicts.
«In matters of migration control, our position has been and remains principled,» stated Rechitsky.
Since January 1 of this year, the cost of the work permit for foreigners in Rostov Oblast has increased. Previously it cost 6,537 rubles (approximately $65), and now it is 10,231 rubles (approximately $102).
«This will significantly reduce the influx of foreign labor into our region, redirect flows to regions with the lowest [permit] coefficient, and bring a significant contribution to the oblast»s budget,« assured the head of the regional MVD department.
Governor Yury Slyusar admitted that the cost of the permit could increase even more.
In early January, it was reported that Russia plans to tighten rules for migrants. The State Duma is preparing a new package of laws. Key changes will affect the procedure for medical examination.
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