Russian Siberian region bars migrant workers from many jobs

MOSCOW (AP) - A Russian region in Siberia has barred migrant workers from an array of jobs in what appears to be an effort to address unemployment during an economic downturn.

The resolution issued Monday by the Novosibirsk governor bars migrants from working in schools or in the fishing, mining and timber industries. They also will no longer be able to work legally for companies that make baby food or as bus or taxi drivers, accountants, lawyers or secretaries.

The resolution, which goes into effect in three months, gave no explanation for the bans.

Like many Russian regions, however, Novosibirsk has seen an influx of migrant workers from former Soviet states in Central Asia and Ukraine.

The region in southwestern Siberia is centered on the city of Novosibirsk, which is Russia's third-largest.