Russia’s Yekaterinburg looks to India, North Korea to address labour shortage

The Sverdlovsk region in Russia is planning to address a shortage of highly qualified personnel by attracting workers from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and North Korea, according to Andrei Besedin, president of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Besedin told EAN that enterprises in the region are expanding their production capacities, driven both by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the government's policy of import substitution. However, he noted that local industries are facing a serious shortage of labour, Caliber.Az reports. 

Some workers have been mobilised for military service, while younger generations are reportedly reluctant to pursue factory jobs — something Besedin attributed to what he described as an ideological misstep in previous years.

To address this gap, the region has reportedly reached agreements with several countries. Besedin said that arrangements have been made with India, and that according to his Indian counterparts, up to one million Indian specialists are expected to arrive in Russia — including in the Sverdlovsk region — by the end of the year.

He also mentioned that a new Indian Consulate General is being established in Yekaterinburg to support this initiative.

In addition, discussions are ongoing with Sri Lanka, which Besedin said has considerable potential. The Sri Lankan embassy has been tasked with strengthening cooperation with the region.

Agreements have also been made with North Korea, where, he noted, there is a reputation for a strong work ethic.

By Sabina Mammadli