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By Emmanuel Kwada
Russia is in dire need of migrants to address a growing labor shortage, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who stated in an interview with RIA Novosti that “migrants are a necessity” for the nation’s development. Peskov underscored the country’s “tense demographic situation,” emphasizing that despite being the largest country in the world, Russia’s population is insufficient to meet its economic demands.
We need a labor force in order to have dynamic development and carry out all our development projects
The statement comes as the Russian parliament recently approved controversial legislation aimed at curtailing “child-free propaganda,” effectively prohibiting any person or organization from promoting a lifestyle that discourages childbirth. This legislative move is part of an ongoing effort to combat a demographic crisis that has roots in the Soviet era and has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“We need a labor force in order to have dynamic development and carry out all our development projects,” Peskov asserted, highlighting the necessity of migration to fulfill workforce gaps across various sectors of the economy.
Historically, anti-migrant sentiments have been prevalent in Russia, particularly toward laborers from ex-Soviet republics in Central Asia, who play a crucial role in many industries. In July, Russian officials described the low population levels as “disastrous for the future of the nation,” prompting calls for a reevaluation of migration policies.
Current demographic challenges are compounded by a significant decline in birth rates, increased mortality from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emigration of hundreds of thousands of men seeking to evade compulsory military service related to the conflict in Ukraine. According to Rosstat, Russia’s national statistics office, estimates suggest a fertility rate of only 1.41 births per woman of child-bearing age in 2023, well below the 2.0 threshold required for population maintenance.
The push for increased migration highlights the urgent need for effective policies to attract skilled labor
Data from Rosstat shows that there were 920,200 live births recorded in Russia between January and September of this year, a concerning 3.4 percent decrease compared to the same timeframe in 2022. This marks the lowest birth rate observed since the 1990s, prompting further alarm among demographic experts.
As the Kremlin grapples with these significant demographic issues, the push for increased migration highlights the urgent need for effective policies to attract skilled labor and address the challenges facing the Russian workforce in the years to come.
