In response to a significant labor shortage caused by the war in Ukraine, Russian companies are increasingly turning their attention towards Africa and India for potential workers. This strategy emerged from a survey conducted by Izvestia, a Russian media outlet, which revealed that about 13% of employers are open to hiring candidates from various African countries such as the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, alongside job seekers from India. The need for foreign labor comes at a time when many Russian firms are struggling to fill vacancies due to the ongoing conflict.

The survey also suggests that Russian businesses are considering candidates from other Asian countries, with around 21% showing readiness to employ citizens of China, North Korea, Thailand, and Cambodia. Furthermore, a significant portion, 38%, of the surveyed companies indicated that they still prefer to hire from the CIS countries. Currently, 37% of firms report employing foreign workers, with the presence of large businesses being more prominent in these figures, suggesting that larger companies are more likely to engage in international recruitment efforts.

This trend of seeking workers from abroad reflects the broader economic challenges faced by Russia amidst international sanctions and workforce disruptions. It indicates a shift in the labor market that may redefine the landscape of employment in Russia, further integrating external labor sources into its economy as it grapples with the consequences of its military actions and their impact on domestic labor availability.