"We must secure the stretches of state borders at the directions that pose increased risks of undocumented immigrants' entry, all possible holes and gaps must be securely shut. It is necessary to step up cooperation with the relevant bodies of foreign states and international organizations, use gained experience and new forms of cooperation," Putin said at a meeting of Russia's Security Council.
The Russian Security Council deals with issues of national security and prepares presidential decisions on security matters. Thursday's meeting focused on issues of improving Russia's migration policy in the interests of national security.
Russian authorities must step up efforts aimed at preventing crimes perpetrated by migrants, Putin said, voicing concern with high crime rates among them, as well as the corresponding increase in xenophobia and nationalist sentiment their actions result in.
Europe has been beset by a massive refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants fleeing their home countries in the Middle East and North Africa to escape violence and poverty.
On March 25, the speaker of Russia's upper house said that legislative changes may be made to deal with the possible consequences of the crisis for Russia.
