The list of 41 quota exempt positions suggested by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia has been officially published and will come into force on 18 February 2012. Following this date, Russian companies may obtain work permits for foreigners hired on one of the listed positions outside of the work permit quota system.

Compared to 2011, this year's list is extended by six new positions. Now welding engineers, design engineers, electrical engineers, drilling engineers, setting and testing technicians and technologist are also among the quota exempt positions in 2012.

Work permits for highly qualified professionals (HQP) are also quota exempt. However, companies should keep in mind that in order to obtain HQP work permits, additional salary criteria must be met.

In order to obtain work permits for non-HQP foreigners whose job position is not on the quota exempt list, companies must follow the work permit quota allocated to them for 2012. In case a company failed to apply for the necessary amount of quota places, a quota correction application may still be submitted.

Companies which use quota for work permit applications should make sure to file forecast of foreign labor before May 1st, 2012 in order to secure quota in 2013.

Information provided by Pro-Link GLOBAL.