In the previous part of this piece, I explored the issues Tajik immigrants faced following the Crocus Attack, alongside the rise in racist assaults. In this second part, I will dive deeper into the new immigration laws passed by the Russian government, which have resulted in many immigrants leaving Russia.
Why do Tajiks move to Russia?
Following the collapse of the USSR, Tajikistan suffered five years of civil war, causing extensive damage to its economy and infrastructure. Despite significant economic changes over 33 years of independence, almost a third of Tajikistan’s GDP still comes from remittances, particularly from immigrants working in Russia.
Tajikistan remains one of the poorest countries in Asia, and its salaries are among the lowest in Central Asia. The average salary in Tajikistan ranges between 1,500-2,583 TJS, roughly equivalent to $140 to $240. However, the cost of goods and housing is rising rapidly. I noticed a significant price increase when I returned to Dushanbe, the capital city. Grocery store prices, in particular, have surged. For this reason, many Tajiks are forced to seek job opportunities in Russia, leaving their families behind.
Furthermore, the labor market in Tajikistan lacks diversity, making it difficult for graduates to find jobs in their fields. Anisa, a 28-year-old Tajik woman with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, has worked in UX design since graduating. She admits that, like many of her peers, she couldn’t find a job related to her degree. “I simply couldn’t find work in my field, and the few available jobs were very low-paid. I had to decide to switch from business to graphic design,” she says. Many of her male peers have moved to Russia to find employment, as they couldn’t financially support their families in Tajikistan. Unfortunately, this is the reality for thousands of graduates who either move to Russia or accept low-paying jobs.
What to know about the new migration labor laws?
In the aftermath of the Crocus Attack, the Russian government implemented numerous new labor migration laws. Most of these laws restrict migrants from working in certain regions of Russia. For example, in Yakutia, migrants are banned from working in transportation, including taxis. It is essential to highlight that some migrants choose to live in places like Yakutia due to its lower living expenses. Similarly, in regions such as Krasnodar and the Urals, migrants are restricted from working in agriculture, leading to a worker shortage.
The number of restrictions is rapidly increasing, further limiting employment opportunities for migrants. Another proposed law suggests banning migrants from bringing their families to Russia. Some male migrants prefer to bring their families to Russia to provide better education and healthcare for their children. If enacted, this law would not only impact the migrants but also limit opportunities for their children to live in better conditions.
Why are immigrants leaving Russia?
Tajik and other Central Asian immigrants began leaving Russia even before the Crocus Attack and the introduction of new immigration laws. The war in Ukraine became one of the main reasons many migrants decided to leave, as it significantly impacted their lives. The number of migrants leaving Russia increased dramatically after the Crocus Attack. Since April, the number of job seekers from Tajikistan in St. Petersburg has dropped by 60%, and from Uzbekistan has decreased by 40%. According to the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Economics, Russia now faces a shortage of 4.8 million workers in sectors that rely on migrant labor.
Tajiks, among other Central Asian migrants who leave Russia are now heading to countries like Turkey, South Korea, and Dubai. In these countries, migrants often work in customer service, where conditions are generally better than in Russia. Europe has also become a popular destination, particularly the UK, which raised its visa caps this year. In the UK, many migrants work seasonal jobs, such as in strawberry farms, under contracts that allow them to stay for the duration of the season and travel.
For younger generations, Germany is also a promising destination. Programs like Au Pair are well-known, allowing participants to learn the language, attend college, and potentially find employment afterward.
While the US remains a “dream country” for some Tajiks, many seek alternative paths to migrate there. One common, yet dangerous, way is by crossing the US-Mexico border illegally. Despite the risks, this route is still pursued. Another option is applying for the US Green Card lottery. Although the chances of winning are low, many people apply in hopes of a better “life”.
While European countries and the US offer Tajik immigrants comfortable working conditions and desirable salaries, Tajikistan suffers from losing skilled professionals who could contribute to the nation’s economy. The shortage of teachers and professors in schools and universities worsens each year, leaving the younger generation without good quality education and mentorship. However, there are several ways to address these challenges by creating more opportunities for the younger population.
Developing job opportunities with competitive salaries and fair working conditions could reduce economic disparities and provide citizens with a chance to stay in their home country. Furthermore, education plays a key role in training new professionals, and the presence of qualified foreign educators is crucial for advancing local expertise across various sectors. Programs such as Fulbright, sponsored by the US Department of State, offer Tajiks a unique opportunity to study abroad and contribute to their communities upon return.
Tajikistan is still in the process of development and with the collective efforts of its citizens, the country can take meaningful steps toward a brighter future.
The introduction of new labor laws leaves the future of Tajik migrants in Russia uncertain. These laws not only impact immigrants but could also lead to job shortages in sectors that Russians are not interested in. If Russia continues to adopt such measures, it could increase illegal immigration and escalate xenophobia.
Featured image by Andrey Rudakov, Bloomberg.
