This week, Rosobrnadzor, Russia’s education and science supervision agency, revealed that only 335 migrant children were allowed to take the Russian language proficiency test in 2025. This test is now required for school enrollment. However, 1,762 children applied to take the test, meaning just 19 percent were approved.
The law that requires proof of Russian language skills before children of foreign nationals can enroll in public schools was passed by the State Duma in December 2024. It has been in effect since April 1, 2025.
Officials said many applications were rejected due to incomplete documents, lack of available school places, or errors in the applications. Of the 335 children permitted to register for the test, only 44 actually took it. Among those, 27 passed and earned the necessary score, while the others failed.
This mandatory language test is part of the Kremlin’s broader crackdown on migrants. The move follows a rise in xenophobia after a March 2024 attack at Crocus City Hall, which was linked to suspects from Central Asia. Despite Russia’s reliance on migrant labor, nationalist sentiment has grown. This has led to new laws that reduce the rights of migrants living and working in Russia.
The language test serves as an excuse for schools to refuse admission to migrant children. This creates a systemic barrier to their right to education. It also violates Russia’s human rights obligations related to education and non-discrimination.
By using language proficiency as a way to exclude migrant children from schools, Russian authorities deny these children the health and economic benefits education provides. Lack of access to school also harms their chances for social integration. It raises the risk that they will enter dangerous child labor or face child marriage.
All children in Russia should have equal access to education, regardless of their nationality or language skills.
Russian officials should immediately stop requiring this discriminatory language test. Instead, they should create and offer accelerated Russian language programs for school-aged migrant children within the public school system. Other governments should pressure Russia to take these steps.
