Afro FM 105.3: Putin proposes crackdown on illegal immigration

Putin proposes crackdown on illegal immigration
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Henok  on 27/01/2012 08:37:00
 
The proposals, which include criminal charges for employing what Putin labeled
effective "slave" labor, came just days after he wrote that migrants wishing to
work in Russia should pass language, history and law tests. Speaking at the
offices of the Federal Migration Service, he said those who employ illegal
migrants should face criminal charges as opposed to fines. In a television
address Putin said those who employ illegal migrants should face criminal
charges as opposed to fines. Of around 9.2 million foreigners residing in
Russia, around four million were illegally employed even though they were
registered with the authorities, Putin said, adding that more highly-qualified,
skilled workers needed to be attracted. According to AFP, Some analysts said
Putin's pre-election bid openly flirted with xenophobia and sought to hijack the
nationalist slogans of activists who have joined the protest movement against
the strongman's 12-year rule. Many in Russia -- where Orthodox Christianity is
the dominant religion -- chafe at the increased numbers of Muslim migrants and
some of their traditions like slaughtering sheep in public. (AFP)