Job Discussion Forums

teacher X · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 1:59 pm Post subject: Are We Specialists?

I remember this being brought up in a previous thread, but I couldn't find it in order to give it a bump.

So, our school got an email today from the guys who handle our visas mentioning the new law coming into effect in January 2015 which bans any non-Russian speaking foreigners from working in Russia...unless they fall under the 'specialist' category.

Our admin seems to think that we're all doomed, but then that's not really anything new.

We discussed this a while back, but now it seems that the law has been passed and is coming into effect. As I understand, it wont affect existing visas, but will prevent us getting future ones.

Of course, it would mean that 80% of Russians ESL teachers and schools will vanish, which is why I assume we would be included in the 'specialist' category. But then, this is Russia and we can't always be sure.

Do any of you guys have any better information?

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

Wow, according RIA News, everyone who plans on living in Russia (including those with residency) will be required to pass exams on their knowledge of Russian language, history, politics, legislation, in order to get a work permit. If you've received some form of higher education in Russia you don't need to take the test. There are other exceptions as well, but not for "specialist," but "highly-qualified specialists," which is a special category of residents who earn $60k + a year, among other things. NOT teachers, in other words. Accredited journalist are also excluded from the new rule. Your visa guy is right. That's a killer. How many English teachers do you know who speak solid Russian? Granted, I doubt the state test are very difficult...

Citation: http://ria.ru/sn_edu/20140811/1019602528.html

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 7:08 pm Post subject:

Just another official shakedown of guestworkers. A bribe to the right pocket will see you right. Just like all those blood tests to prove you don't have Yellow Fever etc. All shams...

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

I agree that most legislation as far as migration is concerned is aimed at making life more difficult for guestworkers and much of the time are either unenforceable or used as instruments of petty corruption. But, assuming you're not a citizen Sasha, do you really see yourself bribing FMS officials, or having one of your friends do it, instead of taking the test when your five years is up? Maybe you can pay off one of the guys at one of the testing sites or just buy a fake? Maybe you Know Russian well enough? Maybe you think they won't enforce it?

teacher X · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 7:58 pm Post subject:

expatella_girl · Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 9:19 pm Post subject:

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 2:23 am Post subject:

The complaint levelled against the Stans is that they very often don't/can't speak Russian. Whether true or not is no reason not to force them to take a test to get a certificate and charge them for the privilege.

teacher X · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 7:11 am Post subject:

I'm curious as to what the culture questions may consist of. If it asks me to list novels by Dostoevsky, I am fine. If, on the other hand, it asks me to list the top 3 hits of Alla Pugacheva, I'm screwed.

Not to sit on my high horse, but it makes no sense to keep out the educated (and semi-educated) Europeans based simply on their lack of knowledge regarding Viktor Tsoi songs and other irrelevant nonsense, but to allow in a plethora of CIS taxi drivers because they happened to grow up in the Soviet Union.

That's some great logic guys, keep it up and you'll be winning the North Korean Award for Incompetent International Affairs 2015.

kirby42 · Joined: 14 Nov 2014 Posts: 55

It will be interesting to see the language tests, what sort of level is expected etc.

I've been told before that I sound like a caveman when I speak po russkiy Smile

teacher X · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 8:41 pm Post subject:

Having asked around, it seems that we may be fine. Teaching Visas being different to standard work visas. We'll find out for sure in due time.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 9:00 pm Post subject:

Every couple of years there is a scare that rattles EFLers. Changes in business visas, the 90/180 rule, degrees needed to teach, medical tests and criminal checks. It is a long list. But there is always a way, however trying or crooked, of getting round it.

Any language requirements will most likely follow exactly the same pattern...

teacher X · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:31 pm Post subject:

What was the 90/180 rule?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:55 pm Post subject:

Sigh.... Hic!

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

On second thought Sasha is right, the govt is constantly passing laws it cannot enforce, like 90/180 with business visas, and there are many other examples. The fact that the law does seem to have wide application, including all people who want residency (vida na zhitel'stvo) or temporary residency (vremennoe prozhivanie) and/or a work permit, which would hypothetically include teachers, does raise eyebrows, though. But as always, there are ways around the law...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:56 pm Post subject:

I'm always right, hic! On first thoughts. It's historically inevitable...