Russia is likely to face ongoing staffing gaps in the coming years, a reality business leaders should recognize. In a revealing interview with Dmitry Kiselev for the Russia 1 channel and RIA News, President Vladimir Putin underscored that the shortage of workers will persist. He noted that migrant labor currently accounts for a small share of the workforce, about 3.7 percent, and that migrants are concentrated in Moscow, the Moscow region, the North-West, and parts of the North. This distribution highlights regional dynamics that influence hiring decisions across the country. (attribution: Presidential remarks cited during a Putin interview with Dmitry Kiselev, Russia 1 and RIA News)
The head of state emphasized that the inflow of labor immigrants has often been framed as a remedy for a shortage, but the overall picture for Russia is unlikely to improve significantly in the near term. Businesses should anticipate continued constraints on available labor and plan accordingly. This reality means employers may need to rethink how they structure work, invest in automation, and look to training initiatives to bridge the gap between demand and supply. (attribution: Putin remarks reported during the interview)
To address the bottleneck, Putin proposed raising labor productivity and strategically reducing the dependence on a large workforce in areas where automation and modern technology can deliver stronger results. The suggested path involves adopting new technologies, improving processes, and investing in skilled training. In other words, the focus is on smarter workflows, better equipment, and a workforce that can operate advanced systems more efficiently. This approach aligns with a broader push toward higher efficiency and long-term competitiveness. (attribution: statements from the interview)
Previously, there were discussions about tightening entry rules for migrants, including requirements for biometric verification and employer invitations. Such measures are part of the broader policy framework shaping how Russia manages migration and labor supply. The implications touch on hiring practices, compliance costs, and the strategic choices companies make when building teams across regions. (attribution: earlier policy discussions cited in related coverage)
Across the business landscape, the shared takeaway is clear: the Russian economy will continue to rely on a mix of productivity gains and selective use of migrant labor. For organizations active in Russia or considering expansion, this means planning for steady, not rapid, shifts in the labor market. It also means prioritizing training programs, technology upgrades, and workflow redesigns that reduce the dependence on large headcounts while maintaining output and quality. Experts suggest that the most durable solutions combine investment in human capital with smart use of automation, enabling firms to stay resilient as demographics and migration policies evolve. (attribution: policy analysis and expert commentary)