St. Petersburg expands migrant work restrictions to gyms, salons, retail

St. Petersburg authorities have extended a ban on migrant workers holding temporary low-skilled patents to include gyms, hair salons, and stores, building on last year's restrictions on taxi driving and food delivery. The move signals a continued tightening of local migration policy in Russia, likely reflecting political pressure ahead of elections. The economic impact is uncertain but may affect low-wage sectors in the city.