The article considers problems in formation and implementation of state migration policy of Russia characteristic for the last five years. It is shown that they are largely caused by the lack of reliable and relevant statistical and sociological information about population migration processes. Not used are sample surveys of households for information on labor migration processes. Success of the new (since 2010) and the latest (2015) tools for regulating labor migration to Russia is analyzed. Specific proposals are made to change archaic inefficient practices of management and control over migration processes. Periodization of formation and development of Russian institutions and legislation on migration is suggested during slightly less than 2 decades.