ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the present state of labour migration in the Russian Federation by focusing on the socio-demographic characteristics of migrants, their regional distribution and the role of undocumented, or illegal, migrants. The Concept of Regulation of Migration Processes in the Russian Federation, a governmental decree from March 2003, was frequently criticised for insufficiently responding to the country's needs, as well as being too restrictive and not doing enough for the integration of immigrants. Labour migration accounts for the largest share in the Russian Federation's migratory flows and also receives most attention in the media and political discussions. The 1990s mainly saw ethnic Russians from the former Transcaucasian Republics and Central Asia returning to Russia, whereas in recent years the majority of immigrants applying for permanent residence are from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
