Wages for migrant workers in Russia who are employed in manufacturing have climbed noticeably this year. Analysts tracking labor markets report an increase from about ₽105,000 per month to roughly ₽150,000, a jump around 40 percent. This trend is noted in sources referencing data from the Immigration Service. The shift reflects tighter competition for skilled labor and shifts in how employers access required staffing in production sectors.
Independent migration expert Vadim Kozhenov points to sustained demand for labor across industrial fields. He notes a broad preference among employers for local workers who require simpler administrative processing, yet the available pool of Russian applicants does not meet all production needs. In practice, this creates a situation where hiring foreign workers becomes a practical necessity to sustain operations and meet deadlines.
According to Kozhenov, one employer recently presented an offer to a group of migrants that included support for accommodation and formal registration, highlighting the kinds of incentives used to attract international workers. He also observes a growing number of legal employment programs for migrants, underlining how better information sharing within migrant communities helps reduce incidents of wage arrears and exploitation. This improved transparency contributes to more reliable labor relations and reinforces compliance with local labor laws.
Vladimir Volokh, a member of Russia’s Presidential Council on Interethnic Relations, emphasizes that the strongest demand for foreign labor appears in construction, housing and utilities, and agriculture. He also recalls regional authorities’ right to limit migrant work in specific sectors, including food production, as part of broader labor market governance. These measures are framed as ways to balance economic needs with social considerations and to protect local workers while ensuring the continuity of essential services.
Recent actions in several regions illustrate a pattern where authorities restrict migrant participation in certain services, such as taxi operations, hospitality, and retail, during peak periods or in areas facing workforce shortages. In Tomsk, for instance, a set of restrictions was introduced in July with the aim of concentrating human resources where they are most needed. Similar policies have appeared in Krasnoyarsk and have been considered in Kursk, Saratov, and Chelyabinsk. The overarching goal is to support the domestic labor pool without sidelining legitimate opportunities for migrants to work and contribute to the economy under clear, enforceable rules.
In this broader context, the emphasis on securing reliable data about migrant workers has become a recurring theme. Authorities and industry stakeholders increasingly recognize that consistent documentation, alongside robust oversight, helps ensure wages are paid promptly and working conditions meet standards. The ongoing evolution of these programs reflects a concerted effort to align migration flows with labor market needs, social welfare objectives, and regional development strategies.