Yakutia's authorities eased, rather than strengthened, the conditions for foreign workers. This is according to Vitaly Obedin's statement.

In the Siberian region of Yakutia, a recent decree signed by Aisen Nikolayev, the head of the republic, has sparked controversy and debate. The decree, numbered 220 and issued on February 28, 2024, has been interpreted as revolutionary by some, but Vitaly Obedin, the head of the Yakut branch of "Party of Deeds," suggests that this may be due to growing xenophobia and hostility towards newcomers in Russian society.

Currently, there are officially 21,992 foreign citizens on the territory of Yakutia for work purposes, primarily from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. According to the authorities, local residents refuse to work as drivers, even for high wages, hence the need for migrant workers. However, Obedin notes a lack of analysis of the labor market situation in Yakutia and preceding documents regarding migrant labor.

The decree, an extension of annual decrees since 2017, with 95% similarity to the decree of March 2023 (No 2817), contains new points that do not limit the field of activity for migrants but rather expand it. One sector of activity was returned to foreigners, allowing them to engage in transportation (both passenger and cargo), which was previously prohibited. Passenger taxis, however, remain off-limits for migrants.

Contrary to media reports, the decree does not seem to have been analyzed thoroughly, according to Obedin. He believes that the enthusiastic reaction in groups and online media to Decree No220 indicates a growing xenophobia and hostility towards newcomers in Russian society. Obedin has also commented that this information about Yakutia planning to replace foreign specialists in key economic sectors with Russian citizens is not substantiated by the decree.

The return of transportation sectors to migrants is reportedly due to problems in the republic's capital, Yakutsk, where transportation reform has failed, causing disrupted schedules, increased intervals, and population complaints. Despite the previous restrictive decree, the number of migrants in Yakutia increased by 1,171 people from January to November 2023.

In response to these claims, Obedin has stated that the media report about Yakutia rejecting migrants is not true. He adds that there is a lack of analysis of the labor market situation in Yakutia and preceding documents regarding migrant labor. The decree No. 220 by Aisen Nikolayev introduces updated administrative measures and regional development strategies with a stronger emphasis on sustainable practices, while decree No. 2817 from March 2023 focused primarily on economic expansion and infrastructure projects.

In conclusion, the decree signed by Aisen Nikolayev in February 2024 does not seem to be as revolutionary as some might think. It expands opportunities for migrant workers in Yakutia, particularly in the transportation sector, and focuses on sustainable development strategies. However, the media and public's understanding of the decree appears to be influenced by growing xenophobia and hostility towards newcomers in Russian society, according to Vitaly Obedin.