The influx of Central Asian workers into Russia fell by 15% in the first half of 2026, reaching 1.9 million, exacerbating the country's labor shortage.
Russia's tight labor market is contributing to inflationary pressures and could constrain economic growth long after the war in Ukraine ends.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is actively trying to steer labor migration away from Russia.
In the first quarter of 2026, remittances from Uzbek workers abroad increased by 13%, but Russia's share has declined.
Currently, Russia has up to 2.5 million vacant jobs, and the unemployment rate is estimated at 2%.
