Russian authorities have introduced a new digital surveillance system requiring all economic migrants from several former Soviet republics working in Moscow and its surrounding region to register through a mobile application named Amina.
According to TVP World on August 29, the app combines biometric data collection, geolocation tracking, and direct police oversight.
Beginning September 1, its use will be mandatory for migrant workers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Citizens of Belarus—Russia’s close ally—along with minors, diplomats, and their families, are exempt from the requirement.
The program is officially described as a four-year “experiment” limited to Moscow and the surrounding region, Russia’s main destination for labor migration.
-95f6bcc4daa5579b0f4d10991f1e0fad.jpg)
Read more
CategoryWorldRussia Fuels Migrant Surge in Hybrid War Tactic
Jul 24, 2025 10:16
Authorities say the system is intended to improve enforcement of migration laws and reduce crime associated with migration violations. Non-compliance may result in expedited deportation procedures, in line with legislation approved by the State Duma in May.
The initiative comes amid broader efforts to tighten migration control in Russia. According to Radio Free Europe, experts believe the program may also be used to pressure migrants into signing contracts with the Russian military.
One analyst suggested that by limiting options for legal work, the policy could compel foreign workers to consider enlistment as their only remaining option.
Earlier in August, Bloomberg reported that young women from low-income countries, including South Africa, were lured to Russia under false promises of education and high-paying jobs, only to end up assembling Shahed drones at a factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone.
South African authorities have since launched an investigation into the recruitment scheme, which may amount to human trafficking, while the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security estimates that over 90% of participants were funneled into drone production.
Support a drone unit—see your impact firsthand
Related articles