As Central Asian migrants search for work amid Russia’s economic decline, many are seeking opportunities in East Asia and Western nations. Despite higher salaries, they confront challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and scams targeting their vulnerabilities.
In recent years, a significant number of Central Asian migrants have sought employment in Russia; however, due to economic stagnation and increasing hostility towards foreigners, many are now exploring job opportunities in East Asia and Western countries. Although salaries in these regions tend to be higher, migrants face various challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences.
Sanat Zhusipbek, a Kazakh native, relocated to South Korea in 2017 for better-paying work. Yet, he has experienced diminishing earnings due to the political climate and economic downturn in South Korea. He lamented, “There are fewer orders [from customers], my salary is lower, and there are more [police] raids on migrants.” Despite this, Zhusipbek expressed no intention of returning to Kazakhstan, especially in light of its currency struggles against the dollar.
Historically, Russia has been the primary destination for Central Asian workers, particularly as the region’s young populations face underdeveloped economies. Nonetheless, conditions have shifted dramatically following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This geopolitical crisis escalated sanctions, further straining the Russian economy and thus discouraging migrant workers.
Worries regarding deportation have led many Central Asians to leave Russia voluntarily. Simultaneously, South Korea’s demand for foreign labor has risen, with recent reports indicating a 70 percent increase in remittances from Uzbek migrant workers in South Korea. Despite the remittance growth, Uzbekistan’s Migration Service flagged that illegal workers could jeopardize official job placements in South Korea.
Meanwhile, the number of Central Asian individuals migrating to Western nations is also on the rise, although this has led to an increase in scams targeting desperate migrants. Many individuals have been deceived into paying large sums for false job offers in Europe and the United States. Bakhodir, an Uzbek national, shared his experience of being conned out of 1,000 euros by fraudsters posing as legitimate employment agencies. Another victim, Doston Mustafoyev, lost an alarming $20,000 to those he trusted.
The ongoing financial crises and sociopolitical uncertainties in Russia and Central Asia have prompted migrants from the region to explore job opportunities elsewhere, particularly in East Asia and Western countries. This shift arises from a combination of waning economic prospects in Russia and increasing hostilities toward migrant workers, alongside the allure of better salaries abroad. However, the transition is not without its challenges, including legal hurdles and rampant scams targeting vulnerable individuals seeking employment.
In summary, Central Asian migrants are increasingly seeking employment outside of Russia due to economic challenges and rising xenophobia. While countries like South Korea offer better salaries and growing opportunities, migrants face numerous obstacles including illegal work practices and pervasive scams aimed at exploiting their desperation. The ongoing shift in migration patterns underscores the complexity of finding sustainable work in an uncertain global economy.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
