Thousands of workers from North Korea are coming to Russia: causes and consequences

In recent months, there has been a noticeable influx of labor migrants from North Korea into Russia. According to information from South Korea’s intelligence agency, reported by The Wall Street Journal, approximately 15,000 North Korean workers have arrived in Russia in recent months.

It is noted that most North Korean citizens entered Russia on student visas, which made entry easier. South Korean intelligence shared this information during a parliamentary meeting on April 30.

Currently, many North Koreans are working in Russia’s Far East, but local authorities and employers hope they will relocate to larger cities like Moscow in the future.

Russian employers value North Koreans as cheap labor. According to WSJ, they are known to work up to 12 hours a day for very low wages.

The article also notes that, based on Russian official data, the number of North Koreans entering the country in 2024 has increased nearly 12-fold compared to the same period last year.

Although the United Nations Security Council has banned the use of North Korean labor abroad, it is reported that Russia and China have repeatedly bypassed this restriction. This could affect international relations.

The rise in North Korean labor may also be linked to labor shortages in Russia, caused by the war with Ukraine. Russia now relies on low-cost, long-term labor, and North Korean workers are seen as a solution.

The mass arrival of North Korean citizens could become a source of international conflict. The U.S. and its allies consider it a serious threat, pointing to violations of existing UN sanctions.

The Russian government has not yet issued an official comment, but if the situation escalates, international organizations may take up the issue, potentially resulting in new sanctions or diplomatic pressure on Moscow.
Photo: Interpress / PhotoXPress

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