Russia is facing a significant demographic crisis driven by an aging population, low birth rates, and high mortality. The working-age population has been declining due to these trends and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. To address its labor shortages, particularly in sectors like construction, Russia is increasingly relying on migrant workers from Central Asia. However, challenges such as a hostile environment for migrants, economic instability, and reduced appeal due to military draft risks have led to a decrease in incoming skilled workers.
In response, Russia has initiated measures to attract migrant workers, including lifting entry bans for over 300,000 migrants from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and implementing streamlined recruitment programs. Despite these efforts, experts predict that labor shortages could continue to hinder the economy, which is already facing slow growth.
