Russia visa surge: Why 1 million Indian workers are choosing Moscow for jobs over London and New York
As traditional destinations like the UK, US, and Canada adopt more restrictive immigration policies, Russia is emerging as a new opportunity hub for Indian workers. Russian companies across sectors such as construction, electronics, and heavy machinery are actively recruiting skilled Indian professionals to address a growing workforce shortage.According to India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, the demand for Indian workers is rising, prompting an increase in consular workload. He noted that consular services are expanding to meet the needs of the growing Indian community in Russia, as reported by the TASS.Workforce demand fuels migrationThe Russian labour market is facing a critical shortage. According to Russia’s Ministry of Labour, the country is projected to experience a workforce deficit of 3.1 million by 2030. In response, the government plans to increase the quota for qualified foreign workers by 1.5 times in 2025, allowing for 230,000 individuals.Companies are currently hiring Indian nationals under existing Russian regulations, quotas, and laws. As quoted by the TASS, Kumar said, “At a broader level, there is a manpower requirement in Russia, and India has skilled manpower. So at present, within the framework of Russian regulations, laws and quotas, the companies are hiring Indians.”The initial wave of Indian workers began arriving in Russian regions in 2024, starting at the Za Rodinu fish processing complex in Kaliningrad, which was facing a labour shortage.Expansion of consular services in YekaterinburgAndrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that by the end of the year, around 1 million Indian specialists are expected to come to Russia, including the Sverdlovsk region, as reported by the TASS. He also announced the opening of a new Consulate General in Yekaterinburg to handle increasing consular requirements.Sverdlovsk, with Yekaterinburg as its capital, is home to major heavy industries and military-industrial facilities such as Uralmash and Ural Wagon Zavod, the latter known for producing the T-90 tank. Besedin noted that many positions in these factories are vacant due to deployment of workers in military operations in Ukraine and a decline in local youth participation in industrial jobs.Growing presence in high-skilled sectorsWhile early Indian arrivals were mainly in the construction and textile industries, the demand is now rising in electronics and machinery sectors. Vinay Kumar told the TASS that “most of the people who have come are in the construction and textile sectors,” but highlighted a growing need in high-end sectors like machinery and electronics.Russian visa categories and application processRussia offers various types of employment visas, including single-entry visas for short-term assignments, multiple-entry visas for long-term jobs, and Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) visas for professionals. There is also a work patent option for self-employed individuals. Visa processing durations range from 5 to 30 business days depending on the type and consulate. Applicants are required to submit a completed form, valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a work invitation, a medical certificate, proof of qualifications, and sometimes an employment agreement. Expedited services are available at an additional fee.Indian embassy issues visa fraud advisoryThe Indian Embassy has issued a warning about fraudulent job offers. It cautioned Indian nationals against agents who offer tourist or business visas with job promises in Russia, stating that such visas do not permit employment and cannot be converted to work permits. The advisory was issued due to multiple incidents reported to the embassy.Indian community continues to growCurrently, approximately 14,000 Indians reside in Russia, along with 1,500 Afghan nationals of Indian origin. The community includes skilled workers, professionals, and students. About 4,500 Indian students are pursuing medical and technical courses, with nearly 90 per cent enrolled in medical universities. Other fields include engineering, computer science, aeronautical design, transport technology, agriculture, and business management.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
