In Russia, to address labor shortages, thousands of North Korean workers are forced to work in construction, factories, and production sectors under harsh conditions.
According to South Korean intelligence, Russia plans to bring in up to 50,000 workers from North Korea to fill the labor gap caused by the war in Ukraine. In 2024, more than 13,000 North Korean workers entered Russia, most of them under “student visas,” which is seen as a way to bypass the UN ban.
Defectors reported being forced to work 18-hour days, with only two days off per year, living in cold and dilapidated accommodations. They are under constant surveillance by North Korean security officers and have almost no opportunity to leave construction sites. Some were forced to work even after being injured.
Experts say this system is a major source of revenue for North Korea. Most of the workers’ earnings are sent directly to Pyongyang, while they themselves receive only $100–200 per month. These funds can be collected only after returning home, which further reduces the chances of escape.
According to South Korean sources, the number of workers managing to escape from Russia is declining: from 20 in 2022 to 10 in 2024. Observers warn that this situation may worsen as the two countries grow politically closer.
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