MOSCOW, April 16 (RAPSI) - The Federation Council on Wednesday passed a bill on introducing obligatory tests in Russian language for labor immigrants.

The draft law stipulates that immigrants must pass tests in Russian, Russian history and basic Russian legislation in order to obtain an ordinary working visa issued for one year, permanent residency in Russia, and work permits for immigrants coming from countries with which Russia established a visa-free regime.

A certificate on the knowledge of the aforementioned subjects will be issued by both Russian and foreign educational institutions included on a special list of organizations authorized to hold the exams. The certificate will be valid for five years.

However, according to the bill, highly-qualified professionals who come to work in Russia will not have to pass the exams.

The law will take effect on January 2015 if signed by President Vladimir Putin.