Exploitation of Tajik Migrants on Russian Farm
Tajik Migrants Claim They Are Being Forced to Work as Slaves on Russian Cattle Farm
A group of Tajik nationals has come forward with disturbing allegations of being forced to work as slaves on a remote cattle farm in Russia’s Far Eastern Magadan region. The migrants claim that their employer has taken away their passports to prevent them from leaving, trapping them in a situation of exploitation and abuse.
According to two of the migrants who spoke to RFE/RL, they are unsure of the exact location of the farm, only describing it as a “farm in a forest, far from the city.” They allege that they are forced to work during the night, without proper compensation or basic facilities.
The men shared a video showing their workplace, an old cow barn covered in snow, and a dilapidated kitchen-dining room with minimal furnishings. They stated that they were promised well-paid work by an acquaintance from their home village in Tajikistan, but have not received their full wages as promised.
The migrants reveal that the farm owner confiscated their passports upon their arrival, claiming he would handle work and residency permits for them. With only two of the men having valid work permits prior to arriving at the farm, their legal status in Russia is uncertain.
It is estimated that around 1 million Tajik migrants work in Russia, often in physically demanding sectors like factories, construction, and agriculture. Many of these migrants rely on informal agreements and are vulnerable to exploitation due to their lack of understanding of Russian laws and their rights.
Despite their desperate situation, the migrants have been unable to get help from local authorities. Valentina Chupik, a prominent advocate for migrant rights in Russia, emphasizes the need for the Tajik authorities to intervene and assist the stranded workers.
As the migrants wait for help, they are left without food for days in freezing temperatures. Their plea for assistance underscores the harsh reality faced by many Central Asian migrants in Russia, who often endure hardships and abuses in pursuit of better opportunities.
The story of these Tajik migrants sheds light on the dark side of labor migration in Russia and the urgent need for stronger protection measures for vulnerable workers.
