MIGRATION FROM CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES TO RUSSIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the dynamics of migration from Central Asian countries to Russia during the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Statistical data of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation were used. They reflect the dynamics of migration registration and removal of foreign citizens. It is difficult to judge the number of migrants in our country based on these data, but nevertheless it is possible to assess the dynamics and intensity of migration processes. The study revealed that the scale of migration flow from Central Asian countries to Russia in the second quarter of 2020 decreased by 1.5-2 times compared to the first quarter of 2020.The largest reduction is noted among tourist and labor migration. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the migration activity of population of Central Asian countries in the direction of its decline and transformed the structure of the migration flow from this region. The Russian labor market is experiencing a shortage of labor in some sectors of production. However, the paradox is that it is felt against the background of rising unemployment in the country. This deficit is only partially compensated by Russian workers, so employers are waiting for the opening of borders and the influx of foreign labor.