The number of labor migrants in Russia totaled 100 000 in 2008, with decreasing by 18 000 in 2009. During 5 months of 2010, 24 000 labor migrants were registered.

“These are people, who got permission for work. Visa-free regime between Armenia and Russia allows Armenian citizens stay in Russia for 90 days. It’s not a secret that many of them use the time to earn money,” said Svetlana Stepanova, representative of the Russian Federal Migration Service.

She informed that according to the federal law on introduction of amendments to the law on legal position of foreign citizens in Russia, which took effect July 1, foreign citizens can henceforth work in Russia legally, without getting special permission.

“This will a new form for foreign workers allowing to live and work in Russia during a year,” Stepanova said.