Russian Duma backs easing migrant rules

MOSCOW, Mar 17 (Reuters) Russia's parliament today gave initial backing to bills designed to legalise the status of millions of migrants from ex-Soviet republics, despite fierce resistance from nationalist opponents.

Two bills, passed by the lower house of parliament in the first reading, will offer migrants from ex-Soviet states with which Russia has visa-free travel agreements stronger legal protection and better working conditions.

Migrant workers, increasingly visible in big cities, towns and some rural areas, have become the topic of hot debate in a country torn between the need to replenish a shrinking population and the fear of losing its ethnic identity.

The government argues that Russia, whose 142-million population could lose up to a million people every year because of low birth rates and high mortality, has no choice but to welcome migrants.

Officials say that under existing laws many of Russia's 20 million migrants are doomed to illegal status, which makes them the target of criminals and open to exploitation by employers.

Under the bills, migrants would no longer have to undergo a lengthy procedure for renewing their residence and work permits, a process activists say is plagued with bribes, and their stay would no longer depend on the will of their Russian employers.

Employers will no longer have to pay for hiring migrants -- a practice, which encourages them to keep their workers illegal and thus deprived of basic rights.

But the measures faced stiff opposition from influential nationalists, who voted against the bills.

''By encouraging immigration we kill hopes for reviving the Russian people,'' Alexander Krutov of a leading nationalist party Rodina told parliament. ''If we take them (migrants) all, then Russia will become a different country with a different people.'' Nationalists from Rodina and the Liberal Democratic party, headed by maverick Vladimir Zhirinovsky, have said migrants are robbing Russians of jobs and want a full-blown visa regime with tough immigration rules for all ex-Soviet states.

The rules would apply to the citizens all of the Commonwealth of Independent States except Turkmenistan and Georgia. The bills still have to be passed in two more readings.

Some pro-Kremlin politicians have said that apart from plugging the demographic hole, labour immigration could help maintain ties between parts of the former Soviet Union.

''By introducing these rules we are simply restoring historical justice,'' Vladimir Pligin of pro-Kremlin majority United Russia party, told the Duma. ''It is not that long ago that these people were part of a single Soviet people.'' Reuters SHR DB2305