Russian lawmakers approve first reading of bill requiring language proficiency test for migrants’ children enrolling in schools

Russia’s State Duma has approved in the first reading a bill prohibiting migrant children who have not passed a Russian language proficiency test from being admitted to Russian schools, state media reported on Tuesday.

The bill would also require “verification of the child’s legal status” upon enrollment in schools and other educational institutions.

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said that at the beginning of the current academic year, 41 percent of migrant children faced difficulties with the Russian language. “Those coming to our country must know Russian, respect its culture and history, and strictly comply with the laws of the Russian Federation,” he said.