Russian Industries to Recruit Up to 1 Million Indian Workers
Russian companies are increasingly hiring Indian workers to address workforce shortages in industries like construction, machinery, and electronics. India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, confirmed that recruitment is being conducted under Russian labor laws and quotas.
Industrial Shortages Drive Vision
The Sverdlovsk region, home to major heavy engineering and defense factories, is among the hardest hit as many local workers have been mobilized for the Ukraine conflict. Business groups estimate as many as 1 million Indian workers could be recruited in 2025. To support this inflow, India will soon open a new consulate in Yekaterinburg.
Russia’s Labour Ministry projects a shortfall of 3.1 million workers by 2030. For 2025, the government has raised quotas for foreign skilled labor by nearly 50%, with 234,900 positions nationwide and around 71,817 allocated for Indians.
Visa Rules and Consular Support
Indian workers can apply through various visa categories, including single-entry work permits and visas for highly qualified specialists. Sponsorship from Russian employers is mandatory, alongside standard documentation. The rise in applications has also added pressure on consular services handling visas, passports, and certifications.
Voices of Reason and Reality
Despite business projections, Russia’s Labour Ministry has clarified that the claim of recruiting 1 million Indian workers in a year is exaggerated. Current quotas cap intake for Indians in Sverdlovsk at just 4,343, highlighting a large gap between optimistic recruitment forecasts and official allowances.
