A large-scale altercation erupted between Tajik and Kyrgyz migrants at the Lakhta-Sentr construction site in St. Petersburg, Russia, as reported by Asia-plus.
The incident occured on the evening of June 3 in a kitchen within the Lakhta Center area and spilled onto the streets. Video footage of the confrontation reveals migrants brandishing pieces of rebar, stones, and construction tools as weapons.
"One Kyrgyz citizen was hospitalized as a result. After taking preventive measures, authorities identified four individuals believed to be the instigators of the fight," the report stated.
According to Izvestia, the conflict may have arisen due to a dispute over free food. An illicit food trade had been established in the area, which prompted police intervention to halt the activity. Subsequently, workers attempted to take the food for free.
"According to construction workers, the food was not owned, so it is considered free. Consequently, a significant number of workers gather here in hopes of securing free meals, which can lead to disputes and occasionally escalate into fights," the report added.
The Lakhta Center construction sites employ thousands of individuals, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan nationals. Gazpromneft Eastern European Projects serves as the client and investor for the project.
Statistics on migrant workers in Russia:
The phenomenon of labor migration holds growing social and economic significance in the region. Among the destinations for migrants from Central Asian and the South Caucasus countries, the Russian Federation stands as the largest, attracting a substantial number of migrant workers. Since the introduction of new immigration laws in 2007, around 1.1 million migrant workers have been officially registered in Russia. These migrants often occupy roles in the national labor markets that local residents are less inclined to pursue. Concurrently, labor migration and the remittances sent back to families have emerged as vital survival strategies and financial safety nets.
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