North Korean Workers Face Exploitation in Russia Amid Labor Shortage

A recent investigation reveals that over 50,000 North Korean laborers are being sent to Russia under slave-like conditions, facing long hours and dangerous work environments as Moscow grapples with worker shortages amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Thousands of North Koreans are reportedly sent to Russia to work under conditions akin to slavery as the country confronts a significant labor shortfall intensified by the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the BBC, Russian officials have turned to North Korea for assistance as they deal with military losses and conscription challenges. It is estimated that more than 50,000 North Korean workers may be sent to Russia, as Moscow seeks manpower for its construction and manufacturing sectors.

Interviews with six North Korean defectors reveal severe working conditions, with laborers forced to endure grueling 18-hour days and under the constant surveillance of North Korean security agents. One worker recounted how, upon arrival, he was immediately subjected to rules that prohibited interaction with outsiders, with the directive that "the outside world is our enemy." Such measures aim to prevent escape attempts and maintain strict control over the laborers.

As a result of these policies, residents in crowded, unsanitary accommodations face a pervasive lack of safety and minimal care. Injuries are common, with one laborer describing how he was denied medical attention after a severe fall. Despite historic UN sanctions meant to strike at the heart of Kim Jong Un’s regime by curtailing foreign earnings through labor exports, the influx of North Korean workers into Russia has surged, both for construction and other sectors.

In fact, recent statistics indicate that more than 13,000 North Koreans entered Russia in 2024 alone, a significant jump from previous years. Experts suggest that many of these are being sent under the guise of student visas, a tactic to circumvent sanctions on labor exportation. Additionally, more workers may soon be deployed for reconstruction projects in areas of Ukraine affected by the conflict.

The North Korean laborers are often promised better wages than if they were to work at home, but the vast majority of their earnings are returned to the state as fees, leaving them with meager cash allowances. The harsh working realities lead to disillusionment; one worker recalled feeling ashamed when comparing their pay to that of local laborers. This environment of exploitation and hopelessness has catalyzed attempts at escape, though recent crackdowns by North Korean authorities have made such efforts increasingly difficult, with escapees dropping from roughly 20 to just 10 annually.

In light of these findings, experts warn that the worker exploitation showcased here is emblematic of the ongoing relationship between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, suggesting that as long as the war continues, so too will the human trafficking of North Korean laborers into Russia. With a grim outlook, analysts anticipate that the legacy of this wartime partnership will linger long after the fighting has ceased.