THE WELL-BEING OF MIGRANT WORKERS DURING THE PANDEMIC: RUSSIAN CASE

Abstract

This report is devoted to the analysis of the situation of labor migrants in Russia, as well as migrants who were unable to come to Russia after the borders were closed. In what types of economic activity has the decline in employment become particularly painful for migrants? What is their financial situation? How ready are they to leave Russia if transport links are restored? What are their immediate and long-term plans related to work and life in Russia? The second focus of the study is on potential migrants who were unable to enter Russia after international transport links were severed. What is their economic situation at home? How quickly are they going to go to Russia in case of the removal of restrictions on international travel? To what extent will their arrival deter the fear of a coronavirus pandemic? What are their short — and long-term plans for staying in Russia? This report is based on an online survey of 2,695 foreign citizens, as well as a telephone survey (CATI) of 300 migrant workers in the Moscow megalopolis conducted in the first half of June 2020.