Categories: Migrant workers

Why Migrant Workers Are Being Singled Out in Russia Again?

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

 No one is taking onus for the downward economic spiral that is hitting Russian migrant workers. People were laid off in large numbers, especially in Russian industries that employ huge numbers of migrant workers.

A recent study conducted a survey on migrant workers in Russia and found that 75 percent of surveyed migrants had been either laid off or forced into unpaid leave. Over 50 percent had lost all sources of income and are now pushed to make ends meet.

The fact that migrant communities at such times have developed solidarity and mutual support as a collective survival strategy, does not justify their plight. As they know there is no place to go and no way to earn money, they have resorted to quieter ways.

But strangely, this finding has not been used in the right way, and has been distorted, confirmed sources have reported. In August, former Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev and now deputy chair of the Security Council sent off a completely opposite message, suspecting increase in crime rate, due to massive layoffs. The result was that in anticipation of crime rate increase, he proposed stricter migrant visa rules referring to examples in the Middle East. According to the Human Rights Watch, these rules have always been seen as extremely abusive and completely in disregard to human rights of migrant workers.

This hypothesis has led to rounding up of migrant workers from August 01 onwards. False accusations of violence by migrant workers from Tajikistan have been reported. Hundreds have been said to be detained and subjected to police brutality and extortion.

Mostly Tajik in origin, the migrant population has been kept without food and water on the pretext of a violence instigated by the former.  They had not been given an interpreter and the police refused to contact the Tajikistan Embassy on the request of the captured Tajik migrants. Despite all migrant papers being in place, police has been threatening deportation, if the migrant caught does not pay up a fine. Strangely so, there is history repeating itself. A similar diversion of frustration was seen in 2013, when public lashed out their economic discontent on migrants and the government did only stand like a mute spectator to violence meted at them.

About U.J.M

Embark on an enlightening journey with U.J.M, a storyteller weaving tales that spotlight the intricacies of workers' rights. Through concise narratives, U.J.M seeks to foster understanding and inspire change, advocating for a world where every worker's dignity is upheld.

U.J.M

Embark on an enlightening journey with U.J.M, a storyteller weaving tales that spotlight the intricacies of workers' rights. Through concise narratives, U.J.M seeks to foster understanding and inspire change, advocating for a world where every worker's dignity is upheld.

Recent Posts

New Rules for American Workers: Inside Trump’s Domestic Policy Law

President Trump’s new domestic policy legislation, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, includes comprehensive changes to tax policy and labor…

July 8, 2025

How to Hire Employees in India in 2025: A Complete Guide for Global Companies

Global businesses that want to hire in India 2025 are facing a complicated legal landscape that is influenced by a…

July 8, 2025

Mandatory Digital Visa for South Africa Starts September 2025: What Travelers Need to Know

South Africa is in the process of implementing a mandatory digital visa system in September of 2025, a historic reform…

July 8, 2025

Bharat Bandh on July 9: Over 25 Crore Workers to Strike Know Which Key Sectors Will Be Most Affected

A nationwide general strike ‘Bharat Bandh’ will be taking place on July 9, with over 25 crore workers from various…

July 8, 2025

Telangana’s New 10 Hour Workday Rule Begins July 8 – Key Details You Should Know

Starting July 8, 2025 employees working in the commercial establishments of Telangana may be required to work up to 10…

July 7, 2025

New Canada Workers Benefit Payments Arrive on July 11 – How Much Will Singles, Families & Disability Recipients Get?

As of July 11, 2025 qualifying Canadians will receive additional Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) payments to relieve the costs of…

July 7, 2025