Russia is grappling with a severe labour shortage as its domestic workforce continues to dwindle, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed in an interview with state news agency RIA Novosti. Peskov highlighted the necessity of migrants to sustain the country’s economic development and ambitious projects.

The Demographic Crisis

Speaking on the issue, Peskov stated, “Migrants are a necessity. We live in the largest country in the world, but there aren’t that many of us.” Russia’s population has been in steady decline since Soviet times, exacerbated by:

• A *low fertility rate, recorded at *1.41 births per woman in 2023, far below the replacement level of 2.0.
• Significant deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mass emigration, particularly among men avoiding mobilisation for the conflict in Ukraine.

Between January and September 2023, 920,200 babies were born in Russia, marking a 3.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2022. This figure represents the lowest birthrate since the 1990s.

Government Efforts and Challenges

In a bid to address the crisis, Russia has introduced incentives such as payouts and mortgage subsidies for large families. However, these measures have not reversed the demographic decline. Earlier this week, Russia’s parliament passed a law banning “child-free propaganda”, aiming to encourage citizens to have more children. Despite these efforts, Peskov stressed the importance of migration, noting, “We need a labour force in order to have dynamic development and carry out all our development projects.”

Migration and Public Sentiment

While the Kremlin actively welcomes migrants, anti-migrant sentiment persists, particularly against labourers from Central Asian countries. These workers play critical roles in key economic sectors but often face discrimination and hostility. In July, the Kremlin described the population decline as “disastrous for the future of the nation.”

Looking Ahead

Russia’s demographic challenges are not only a social issue but also an economic one, as a shrinking workforce threatens the country’s ability to sustain growth. The reliance on migration appears to be a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to fill this gap, despite the societal tensions it may bring. The success of this approach will depend on how Russia balances welcoming migrants while addressing public attitudes and demographic policies.