Belarus authorities eye guest workers from Asia to fill gap in labor force

The shortage of labor in the Belarusian economy, caused by repression and the threat of a widening war, is forcing the authorities to change their migration policy. Residents of the former post-Soviet space are increasingly encouraged to come to Belarus to work - this trend is set to increase.

Alisa Ryzhychenka, a respected expert in public administration and international development, shared her insights on this matter during a recent interview on Euroradio.

"For three years now, we have seen a decrease in the number of people employed in the economy. There is a shortage of workers and an increase in vacancies, even according to official statistics, there are about 150 thousand. And [the authorities] are already bringing in workers from Asian countries. That's relevant, that's there, and that's not going anywhere."

However, the apparent solution to the talent shortage has strategic drawbacks. The first is low salaries and a different mentality.

"I can hardly imagine a situation where 150 thousand Tajiks and Uzbeks are brought to Belarus and take all the vacant positions. Yes, [this will happen] mainly in industry, where we have a shortage of personnel. However, in other areas, where the opportunities are not so attractive, it will be much more difficult to overcome unemployment with the help of immigration. Moreover, there may be an issue with the qualifications of these people. If they have work experience and speak Russian or even English, why don't they go to another country? Belarus is not a paradise for workers. I don't see people in all the Asian countries who can't wait to get invitations to work in Belarus. No, it's not like that <...> One needs to factor in one very significant aspect here. Asian countries are mostly Muslim. It is a completely different mentality. And all this can lead to an increase in social tensions."

Guest workers may eventually move from Belarus to Russia because of higher wages.

"Especially in the construction sector, for example. <...> But if they already have experience, if they have worked in Belarus, they will understand that they have to go further, to Russia, where [there is] also a huge labor force shortage today."