In a significant operation on New Year's Eve, St. Petersburg police detained approximately 3,000 migrant workers, as reported by the local news website Fontanka.
The detentions primarily occurred near metro stations and popular celebration areas in central St. Petersburg.
Out of those detained, over 600 individuals were found to have violated Russia's immigration laws, with expectations that over 100 people will face deportation.
This large-scale police action comes amid wider reports from last year of frequent police round-ups in Russian cities targeting migrant workers, particularly those who recently acquired Russian citizenship but failed to register for compulsory military service.
The migrant workers, mainly from Central Asian countries, have faced various challenges. Some were immediately handed military summons, while others were forcibly taken to military enlistment offices. The specific details of whether the New Year's Eve detainees received military summons are not clarified in the reports from Fontanka or Bumaga.
This recent police action mirrors a similar event on New Year's Day the previous year, where Fontanka reported that law enforcement conducted “preventive raids” resulting in the detention of up to 2,000 people. These individuals included migrant workers, intoxicated locals, and those accused of illegal activities such as launching fireworks.
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