Russia Plans to Recruit 1 Million Indian Workers by 2025 Amid Labor Shortage

Russia is planning to recruit up to one million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to address a severe labor shortage worsened by the ongoing war in Ukraine and demographic challenges. This workforce is expected to support sectors like construction, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and infrastructure projects in regions including Siberia, the Far East, and the Sverdlovsk region. The shortage stems from many Russian men being redirected to military service and a decline in youth workforce participation. A new Indian consulate is set to open in Yekaterinburg to manage these arrivals, and formal bilateral agreements are being prepared to streamline visas, housing, healthcare, and legal protections for Indian laborers. Russia is also exploring similar labor cooperation with countries such as Sri Lanka and North Korea, though integrating these workers may pose challenges due to language and cultural differences. Businesses have begun pilot programs hiring Indian workers, noting advantages like lower wage expectations and limited job mobility compared to traditional Central Asian laborers.