With the rise of labor migration to Russia becoming a mass phenomenon, xenophobia has also become prevalent. Russian authorities have significantly contributed to the development of xenophobia through migration policies, public statements, press releases, and everyday discriminatory practices against migrant workers.
To shed light on the current situation of migrants in Russia, we discussed with Natalia Zotova, a Ph.D., researcher at the Albert Einstein Medical University in New York and former employee of the Institute of Anthropology and Ethnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. For over 15 years, Natalia has specialized in migration from Tajikistan and Central Asia to Russia, focusing on discrimination, social vulnerability, and mental health of labor migrants.
Her recent extensive research on the mental health of returning Tajik migrants was conducted for the International Organization for Migration in Tajikistan.
Xenophobia, a part of the broader concept of xenophobia, has existed in Russia for a long time, especially with the significant influx of labor migrants from Central Asian countries. The mass migration from Tajikistan has been ongoing for 30 years, driven initially by civil war refugees and later joined by labor migrants seeking opportunities in Russia.
Despite the recent surge in xenophobic sentiments following the "Crocus City Hall" terrorist attack, Natalia believes that the migration flow from Tajikistan to Russia will not drastically decrease. Many Tajik migrants have established strong social ties in Russia over the years, with some even obtaining Russian citizenship.
The decline in migration could have significant repercussions for Russia in terms of human capital, as migrants contribute new ideas, energy, and resources for the country's development. Additionally, migration plays a crucial role in population reproduction, especially amid Russia's demographic crisis.
Diaspora communities of Central Asian migrants in Russia play a role in defending the rights of their compatriots, providing legal assistance and support. However, they often face pressure from authorities and tend to maintain a low profile to avoid scrutiny.
As the current anti-migrant sentiments escalate, Natalia expresses concern for migrants' safety and advises them to be cautious and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to themselves in public.
Regarding the impact of conflicts like the war in Ukraine on Central Asian migrants in Russia, the situation has posed various challenges, including recruitment attempts for military activities and risks associated with obtaining Russian citizenship.
In conclusion, Natalia discusses the complex migration policies in Russia, highlighting the dual approach of facilitating legal conditions for migrants while fueling xenophobic rhetoric in public discourse. She emphasizes the importance of migrants and host communities raising their voices against xenophobia and discrimination to foster a more humane and civilized society.
