There is no shortage of foreign workers in Russia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, who told journalists that there is no problem at the moment. The assertion was reported by TASS as part of ongoing discussions about labor supply and migration policy.
Golikova’s comments arrive after recent media reports suggesting a decline in the number of migrant workers in Russia. The reports linked the decline to factors such as a weakening ruble and tightened migration regulations, raising questions about the labor market and the availability of foreign staff across key sectors.
Data from the first half of 2023 indicates a mixed picture. While long-term immigrant arrivals were down in some periods, there was an observed increase of about 50 thousand compared with the same period the previous year. Experts noted that this fluctuating trend could intensify the existing gaps in labor supply in traditional sectors that historically rely on immigrant labor, including construction, manufacturing, and service industries.
Industry observers also highlighted practical consequences on urban economies. Russian taxi aggregators and Moscow-based restaurants reported difficulties recruiting drivers, cooks, and waitstaff. The explanations cited include reduced real income due to currency fluctuations and stricter rules for legalizing migrant labor, which together influence the availability of foreign workers in everyday business operations.
Previously, it was discussed that a substantial portion of the Russian workforce, approaching several million, faced retention pressures. Enterprises grappling with talent shortages emphasized the challenge of keeping skilled and semi-skilled employees in a competitive labor market amid shifting wage dynamics and regulatory requirements.
In light of these developments, firms across major Russian cities are balancing wage competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and the practical realities of attracting and retaining migrant labor. The evolving policy environment, currency movements, and labor market signals are closely watched by policymakers, industry groups, and employers who rely on a steady stream of workers to sustain productivity and growth across sectors.
Overall, the situation reflects a nuanced landscape where official statements of stability coexist with localized shortages in certain occupations and regions. Stakeholders continue to monitor migration trends, wage pressures, and the effectiveness of labor legalization measures as they shape hiring strategies and employer expectations in Russia’s dynamic economy. Attribution: report by TASS cites the government’s position and accompanying industry observations.