Russia to issue 1.8 million work permits in 2008

[Mr.Val]

According to the Russian government's press service, Russia will issue 1.8 million work permits to foreign nationals in 2008.

The Federal Migration Service said that between January and August of 2007, the number of work permits issued reached 1.7 million. This is double the number issued over the same period in 2006.

Over 20 million people come to Russia every year to work -- many of them illegal. Only five mhttp://www.workpermit.com/news/2008-01-10/russia/russia-one-point-eight-million-work-permits-2008.htmillion foreign workers applied for work permits in 2007.