Migrants speak of discontent because of the need to return home due to new restrictions in Russia's regions. For the most part, they are sure that it will be difficult for Russians to find replacements for them.
For example, 28-year-old Khairiddin Gulyamov from Samarkand described his difficult situation after returning to Uzbekistan. Previously working as a cab driver in Novosibirsk, Gulyamov earned up to 200,000 rubles a month, but after the introduction of a ban on migrants working in cabs in the region, he was forced to return home. Now his income in Uzbekistan is four times less, despite his much greater efforts.
Shahzoda Nabieva, 26, from Namangan, also had to return to Uzbekistan after she was laid off from her job in Yaroslavl. At the supermarket where she packed fruit and vegetables, her salary was 30,000 roubles a month with bonuses for exceeding the plan. Now back in Uzbekistan, Nabiyeva sells flatbread at the market.
Rustam Kadyrov, a former catering worker in Kursk Oblast, expressed the opinion that the lack of migrants could lead to labor shortages in a number of areas in Russia, such as catering and cabs. In his opinion, it would be difficult to replace migrants, and Russians are not willing to do these jobs for low wages.
The problem also affects the economies of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which are concerned about the return of migrants and the potential threat of social instability. A Kyrgyz parliamentary staffer told aif.ru that the return of large numbers of unemployed workers could create additional problems, including increased social tensions and the possibility of radical movements.
In general, however, there is a widespread belief among returning migrants that restrictions on migrant employment in Russia will be reconsidered. Many workers believe that Russians will not be willing to engage in low-skilled labor, which will lead to the need to attract migrants again.
Migrants from Central Asia believe that labor in Russia, despite the difficulties, offers higher earnings than in their home countries. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have already seen prices rise, making returning home less attractive for many.
Earlier, 25 illegal immigrants were detected during a raid in the Tula region. The Kyrgyz authorities also expressed hope that Russia would not ban Kyrgyz from working in education and medicine.