Russia Visa: 1M Indians Eye Jobs Beyond UK, US
Russia is emerging as a new job destination for Indians, with industry leaders projecting the recruitment of up to one million Indian workers by the end of 2025. The move comes as Russian industries, facing acute labour shortages, look beyond traditional migrant sources to fill critical roles in construction, textiles, machinery, and electronics.
Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia, confirmed that Indian workers are increasingly being sought after by Russian firms, resulting in heavier workloads at consular services, including passport renewals. To support this flow, India will open a new Consulate General in Yekaterinburg, a key industrial hub in the Ural region.
The Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry has indicated that nearly one million Indian specialists could be absorbed across Russian sectors. However, Moscow has officially capped the 2025 quota for Indian work permits at 71,817, sparking concerns that industry projections may be overly ambitious.
Russia has identified a looming labour shortfall of over three million workers by 2030. To bridge this gap, officials have hinted at expanding vocational training programmes with India, ensuring workers are equipped with the specialised skills required by Russian industries.
While the opportunity is significant, experts caution Indian job seekers to remain vigilant against fraudulent recruiters misusing tourist or business visas for labour placements. Clear communication between the two governments and streamlined consular services are expected to be crucial in safeguarding workers’ interests.
