Central Asian Migrants Seek Refuge in New Countries Amid Russian Struggles
Central Asians Seek Work Opportunities Beyond Russia
As the Russian economy stagnates and attacks on migrants increase, more and more Central Asian workers are looking for job opportunities in East Asia and the West. While salaries may be higher in these regions, migrants face new challenges such as difficulty moving between jobs, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Sanat Zhusipbek, a citizen of Kazakhstan, moved to South Korea in search of better-paid work in 2017. However, the ongoing political crisis and slowing economy in South Korea have impacted his earnings, leading him to take on illegal side jobs to cover his losses. Despite these struggles, Zhusipbek is determined to stay in South Korea rather than return to Kazakhstan, where economic conditions have been challenging.
The tightening regulations and increasing number of scams in Russia have further deterred Central Asian migrants from staying in the country. The economic impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as deportations and bans on migrants following terrorist incidents, have created fear and uncertainty among the Central Asian community in Russia.
As a result, more Central Asians are seeking work opportunities in South Korea, where the intake of foreign workers has increased in recent years. Remittances sent by Uzbek migrant workers from South Korea have risen significantly, indicating a growing trend of migration to the region.
However, the migration trend is not without challenges. Scams targeting migrants seeking work in the European Union and the United States have left many individuals deceived and financially vulnerable. Despite efforts to seek assistance from authorities, victims like Bakhodir and Doston Mustafoyev have struggled to recover the money they lost to fraudulent job offers.
With Central Asians increasingly looking beyond Russia for employment opportunities, the need for greater awareness and protection against scams and exploitation is critical. As the migration landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for migrants to be informed and cautious in their pursuit of better economic prospects abroad.
