The Impact of COVID-19 on Tajik Migrants in the Russian Labour Market

The article examines the plight of Tajik labour migrants stranded during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Russian Federation. The study is based on statistical data and two opinion polls conducted by a research team from the Institute for Demographic Research FCTAS RAS in April 2020 and January 2021. The results of the study showed the key problems faced by Tajik migrants in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the survey, Tajik temporary labor migrants faced social and economic difficulties during the pandemic in Russia. The restrictive measures have significantly complicated the situation for them. Many were unable to leave Russia before the borders were closed. During the lockdown they lost their jobs and livelihhods. The loss of a job led to problems both for the migrants who remained in Russia, and for their families in Tajikistan, who could not receive remittances. Also, many labor migrants faced additional health risks due to poor hygiene facilities in their dwellings. A significant part of migrants reported difficulties when trying to get medical health, make a COVID test or get a vaccine. However, labor migrants from Tajikistan, who initially lost income during the lockdown in April – May 2020, were gradually able to adapt to the new socio-economic conditions and restore their monetary income, continuing to provide assistance to their families in their homeland. In conclusion, recommendations on rendering assistance to Tajik migrants who have found themselves in a difficult situation abroad are offered. In the authors’ opinion, the assistance should be provided both in political, socio-economic and medical spheres.