Moscow, Feb 13 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Special volunteer patrols will be created in Moscow to assist the Federal Migration Service (FMS) with enforcing immigration rules, a top official has said.

Alexei Mayorov, head of the Moscow city government regional security department, said the volunteer groups will help monitor compliance with immigration laws, legitimacy of migrants' residence and employment permits, participate in city patrols, check documents and detain illegal migrants together with FMS officers.

Checks will be conducted on a daily basis at construction sites, outdoor markets, railway terminals and other spots across the city that are popular with migrants, Mayorov said.

Patrol members will wear special uniforms. The volunteer organisation currently numbers some 300 people.

Migration is a contentious issue for Russians. Some social groups are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the growing numbers of foreign workers coming to Russia to live.