Russia employs over 100,000 workers from Central Asia and other neighbouring countries to carry out extensive reconstruction projects in the territories of Ukraine under its control, BNN Bloomberg reported. These workers, often unaware of the full extent of their roles, are not only involved in construction but have also found themselves in combat zones.
President Vladimir Putin disclosed that Russia is investing over RUB 1 trillion (approximately $11bn) annually to restore the territories of Ukraine devastated by the invasion that began nearly 2 years ago. This reconstruction effort, aimed at strengthening Russia’s hold over the annexed regions, necessitates a large influx of labour. However, Russia is already grappling with a significant labour shortage.
Migrant workers are attracted by advertisements on Russian websites promising high-paying construction jobs. For instance, construction work in the eastern Donbas region can offer as much as RUB 350,000 (nearly $4,000) per month, including accommodation, transportation, and health insurance. This is significantly higher than the average market wage. A factory machine operator, for example, earns up to $2,000 per month, which is already nearly 20% higher than the previous year, as per data from local recruitment service Superjob. The ongoing war has triggered a wage spiral due to increased employee competition.
Valentina Chupik, a lawyer and director of the human rights nonprofit organization Tong Jahoni, revealed to Bloomberg News that about 50 migrants from her practice voluntarily went to Ukraine. However, they were not paid the promised salary and were denied re-entry into Russia upon their return. Chupik also reported numerous instances of citizens from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan who were deceived into working without pay and then compelled to dig trenches in combat zones.
A labourer Soleh from Tajikistan shared his experience of being recruited to fight in Ukraine. While in a deportation centre in November, he was actively recruited and offered citizenship if he signed a contract. Despite the promise of “a lot of money,” Soleh chose to return home. He stated that recruitment is widespread, with his friend being forced to sign a contract when applying for a residence permit. Workers at construction sites in the DNR and LNR are often persuaded to fight in these regions.
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