Russian employers owe Tajik workers more than US$1 million

DUSHANBE — Months, and in some cases years later, many Tajik migrant workers have still not received back-pay from their Russian employers. Director Abdurakhim Rakhimov of the Tajikistan Ministry of Internal Affairs Office for Migrant Workers in Russia said Tajik migrant workers have flooded his office with more than 400 complaints, a quarter of which concern pay arrears. "Currently, more than US$1 million is owed to Tajik workers in unpaid salaries," he said.

"Thanks to a close relationship with our Russian counterparts, we've been able to help many of our fellow citizens. But there have also been occasions when we've requested Russian prosecutors' assistance in securing payment and were turned down. In these cases, prosecutors have pointed to the absence of an employment contract, meaning that employer and employee have no legal relationship," Rakhimov notes.

Russia's restrictions on migrant labour continue to exact a toll on Tajik workers, and their status and image in Russia. Many of the victims are labourers who turn to the services of dubious placement agencies that charge exorbitant fees in exchange for fake residence and working papers. "We've compiled 20 reports on the extortionist money-making strategies of placement agencies," Rakhimov says.

Data released by Russia's Federal Migration Service indicate there are around 300,000 Tajik migrants working in Russia, almost half of whom are employed in construction. Analysts contend, however, that the true number of Tajik workers in Russia is close to one million.