Russia to Launch Labor Migrant Tracking App Trial in Moscow Region

Starting September 1, 2025, Russia will begin a four-year pilot program to track foreign nationals in Moscow and the surrounding region, Orda.kz reports, citing Kommersant.

The system, excluding minors, diplomats, and Belarusian citizens, will apply to visa-free visitors. Labor migrants must register via a special mobile app, consent to location tracking, and report their whereabouts to the Interior Ministry.

Failure to transmit location data within three days may result in removal from the registry and possible deportation. Participants will also be required to undergo fingerprinting, biometric photos, and residence registration.

The app will be installed at the Sakharovo migration center. Critics note the law doesn’t clarify consequences for those without phones or who refuse the app.

The Duma says the initiative could expand to other regions if successful. Russia will also require all foreign visitors to register online via a separate QR code system starting June 30.