Labour migration in Russia during the coronavirus pandemic
Abstract
Quarantine measures in connection with the coronavirus pandemic have been accompanied by the closure of cross-border communications and restrictions on the activities of enterprises in most sectors of the economy. Labour migrants and their family members staying in Russia have found themselves in a difficult situation. The reduction in employment, primarily in areas where migrants work, has made foreign citizens one of the most vulnerable social groups. The first layer of questions discussed in the article is related to the assessment of the situation of migrants in Russia. In what types of economic activity has the decline in employment become particularly painful for migrants? What is their financial situation? How ready are they to leave Russia if transport links are restored? What are their immediate and long-term plans related to work and life in Russia? The second focus of the study is on potential migrants who were unable to enter Russia after international transport links were severed. What is their economic situation at home? How quickly will they go to Russia when restrictions on international travel are removed? What are their short - and long-term plans for staying in Russia? This article is based on an online survey of 2,695 foreign citizens (including 1,304 migrants in Russia and 1,391 outside Russia), as well as a telephone survey of 300 migrant workers in the Moscow megalopolis conducted in the first half of June 2020.
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References
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