(MENAFN) Russia has officially moved away from using immigration as a strategy to counteract its declining birthrate, stating that migrants will no longer be allowed to overstay their legal residency.

Aleksandr Grebenkin, deputy secretary of the country's Security Council, made these remarks in an interview with a news agency published on Tuesday.

He discussed Russia's newly approved State Migration Policy for 2026-2030, which focuses on national security and economic growth.

This policy, according to Grebenkin, also emphasizes cracking down on illegal immigration while integrating foreigners who align with Russia’s traditional values.

The updated migration policy no longer considers foreign migration as a solution to demographic challenges.

Instead, it treats migration as a supplementary measure to support economic initiatives. Grebenkin clarified that foreigners are not entitled to permanent residence in Russia, with the exception of certain categories.

Once the allowed duration of their stay expires, migrants are expected to leave the country.

Grebenkin also highlighted that the migration landscape has undergone significant changes.

He pointed out that emerging security threats are associated with hostile states and radical groups that may attempt to use migration as a tool to destabilize Russia’s internal politics and create tensions with migrants' home nations.

He also noted that many migrants from former Soviet republics, in particular, bring with them attitudes that are often dismissive of Russia, contributing to increased societal tensions and the potential for interethnic and interfaith conflicts.

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