Labor migration from Central Asia in the context of Russia’s strategic choice
https://doi.org/10.48137/23116412_2026_2_
Abstract
The article examines labor migration from Central Asian countries to Russia as part of a broader system of Russia’s interaction with the region. It shows that labor migration remains an important resource for the Russian labor market; however, a one-sided reliance on the physical attraction of labor is accompanied by growing social, legal, and integration-related costs. The strategic vulnerability lies not in migration as such, but in its transformation into an almost exclusive mechanism linking Russia with the countries of origin of migrant workers.
The article substantiates the need to move toward a combined model that preserves the managed admission of migrants while simultaneously expanding Russia’s economic presence in Central Asia. The key elements of this model include organized recruitment, pre-departure training, vocational education, joint ventures, industrial cooperation, and investment projects.
The article concludes that a combined approach can improve the manageability of migration processes and strengthen Russia’s position in the region.
About the Author
O. V. Savina
Center for Central Asian Studies, Institute of China and Contemporary Asia,
Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga V. Savina, Research Fellow
Migration Studies Sector
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Savina O.V. Labor migration from Central Asia in the context of Russia’s strategic choice. Post–Soviet Continent. 2026;(2):16-31. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.48137/23116412_2026_2_
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