Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has called for tougher immigration legislation as he steps up his electoral campaign for the Russian presidency.

In a policy article published on his official campaign website, Putin pledges to curb illegal immigration if he is returned to the Kremlin.

But the article also criticizes efforts to inflame nationalism, and warns that nationalist-leaning political parties will be banned.

Putin promises that his leadership will further toughen immigration legislation and says that migrants who want to work in Russia would have from next year to pass exams testing their knowledge of the Russian language, history, and literature.

The January 23 article is the second policy article released in recent days by Putin, who is seeking a third term as president in the March 4 election.

He was prevented from serving a third straight term after 2008 by the Russian Constitution.

compiled from agency reports

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