Vorobiev discusses trials of migrants without fluency in Russian language
Moscow's Experiment with Foreign Labor Force: A Deep Dive
The Moscow region is venturing into uncharted territory by inviting labor migrants from visa-requiring nations like China and Vietnam, even if they don't speak Russian, as Governor Andrei Vorobyov revealed in an interview with RBK TV.
Vorobyov explained that while the requisite legislation hasn't been passed yet, the plan is to enable companies in China and Vietnam to bring over laborers who don't need to know the native language. He emphasized that this move would significantly mitigate labor shortages.
However, he acknowledged concerns regarding the lack of Russian language proficiency among these incoming workers. Vorobyov, however, is optimistic that basic Russian words can be mastered quickly. But, he conceded, specialists dealing with communication might require a more advanced understanding of the language.
This experimental labor program is part of a broader initiative to manage and monitor migrant workers more closely, responding to growing public demand to regulate the migration sphere. The governor assured that the region is working to establish separate living spaces, tighten registration, and account for migrants while prioritizing safety and control.
According to reports from "Expert," this initiative is not exclusive to the Moscow region; it is also being tested in the Zabaykalsky Krai. The magazine indicates that workers are being recruited from India, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and the Philippines, and a simplified entry and registration process has been implemented.
Russia is currently grappling with a shortage of about 1.5 million qualified personnel, with the construction, transport, and housing and communal services sectors bearing the brunt, as mentioned by Vice Premier Alexander Novak at the end of last year. The construction sector alone is reportedly short of 200-400 thousand workers due to increased construction volumes that haven't kept pace with productivity growth.
Interestingly, these migrant laborers will register via a government-run mobile application that tracks their location in real time. Failure to provide location data for more than three days can result in being flagged for immediate deportation. Other requirements include biometric registration, biometric photos, proof of residence, and ongoing digital surveillance.
It's essential to note that this initiative represents the Kremlin's tightening grip on migration, championed under the banners of national security and social order. Critics and experts remain dubious about the effectiveness of the program and its humanitarian implications, expressing concern over increased surveillance, potential deportations, and the risks of exploitation without adequate protection for migrants.
Moreover, the Russian government's increasingly harsh regulatory environment and reports of coercing migrants, particularly from Central Asia, for roles including military service in Ukraine, suggest a broader risk of exploitation within this experimental labor program [1][3][5].
[1] Humanitarian concerns surrounding Moscow's migration experiment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/migration-experiment-humanitarian-concerns
[3] Central Asian migrants recruited for military service in Ukraine under coercion or misleading promises. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/central-asian-migrants-military-service-ukraine
[5] The intensifying control and surveillance over migrant workers in Russia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/control-surveillance-migrant-workers-russia
Workers from China and Vietnam, who are expected to join Moscow's labor force under the experimental program, could potentially be involved in various sports due to the mitigation of labor shortages, as mentioned in the broader initiative.
However, the question of communicating effectively with Russian-speaking sports teams or coaches arises, given the lack of knowledge of the Russian language among incoming migrant workers.
