Russia proposes canceling social pensions for migrants

Russia has proposed canceling social pensions for elderly foreign citizens, reported Nova24.uz via RIA Novosti.

The proposal comes from LDPR party members, led by party leader Leonid Slutsky. The draft law suggests removing social pensions for foreign nationals, including related supplemental payments.

Under current law, foreign citizens and stateless persons who have lived permanently in Russia for at least 15 years and hold a residence permit — and are 70 years old for men or 65 for women — are entitled to a social pension. Russian legislation also provides for federal and regional pension supplements.

Lawmakers noted that Russia is attractive to many foreigners in part due to access to its pension system. However, the average pension in Russia is only about 28% of the average salary, indicating a very low income replacement rate.

The authors of the proposal believe this measure will help protect the pension system from unreasonable obligations, reduce budgetary pressure, and restore the principle that “a pension is the result of contributing to society, not just living in it.”