Russia is reportedly planning to bring in up to 1 million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to help tackle an acute labour shortage in its key industrial regions, particularly in the Sverdlovsk area—known for heavy industry and defence production. The plan was outlined by Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who said agreements have been reached with India to facilitate the migration. To support the expected influx, a new Indian consulate is set to open in Yekaterinburg, aimed at streamlining documentation and services for arriving workers.
The shortage has been driven by Russia’s demographic decline and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has pulled many Russian workers into military service, leaving significant gaps in sectors like metallurgy, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Some major Russian companies have already started hiring Indian labourers for roles in these industries.
Skill training and language programmes are being planned in India to prepare workers for Russian job requirements and help them adapt. Workers will need employer-sponsored visas, valid passports, medical checks, and possibly Russian language proficiency. While there are reports of appealing salaries, concerns have also emerged over low pay and delayed wages, prompting officials from both countries to underline the importance of ethical recruitment and safeguarding worker rights.
It’s worth noting, however, that while regional officials and business representatives have spoken about recruiting up to 1 million workers, Russia’s Ministry of Labour has denied setting any such official quota, confirming that around 71,800 visas have been approved so far. The recruitment initiative marks a shift in Russia’s approach to filling labour shortages, expanding beyond its usual recruitment base in the former Soviet republics to countries like India—part of a broader response to an anticipated workforce gap of 3.1 million by 2030.
If realised, the plan could create new employment opportunities for Indians, especially from states facing high joblessness, but it also raises concerns about worker conditions, wages, and integration into Russian society.