Belarusian Railway turns to Nepali and Pakistani workers amid labor crisis
Belarusian Railway’s Minsk branch, known as BelRail, has begun recruiting low-skilled workers from Nepal and Pakistan. The move marks a shift from the company’s earlier stance, which viewed foreign labour as impractical due to risks and expenses. Now, roles such as track maintenance, station work, and rolling stock cleaning will be filled by migrant employees. BelRail initially dismissed the idea of hiring foreign labour because of high costs and potential complications. However, a recent internal document highlights the perceived benefits of Nepali and Pakistani workers, including strong work discipline, minimal conflict, and reliance on their employer. The company estimates total expenses per worker—covering flights, accommodation, health insurance, and other needs—at around 2,900–3,200 rubles.
The vacancies do not require Russian language skills, making them accessible to a broader pool of candidates. BelRail proposed a monthly wage of 950–980 rubles, but the recruitment agency insisted on at least 1,500 rubles, along with guaranteed overtime.
Industry observers link this recruitment drive to a wider staffing crisis. The Belarusian Railway Workers’ Community points to an ongoing exodus of specialists and mass dismissals since 2020 as key factors behind the labour shortage. The decision to hire migrant workers reflects BelRail’s response to persistent staff shortages. With recruitment underway, the company will now rely on foreign labour to fill essential but low-paid roles. The long-term impact on wages and working conditions in the sector remains to be seen.
