MOSCOW, January 22 (RIA Novosti) - Migrant workers will have to undergo drug tests when applying for jobs in Moscow, the chief narcologist of the Russian Health Ministry said Tuesday.

“The order has been signed,” Yevgeny Bryun said. “I think we will start working from next week.”

“Migrants will undergo testing at drug abuse clinics when receiving work permits,” Bryun told journalists in the Russian capital.

He said earlier migrant workers had to be examined by doctors at drug abuse clinics to obtain work permits, but from now on they will also have to pass tests. Other Russian regions may soon employ this practice as well.