The State Duma (Russia’s lower house of parliament) has ratified an agreement with Tajikistan on organized recruitment of labor migrants in Tajikistan for seasonal work in Russia.        

The State Duma ratified this document on December 17, according to TASS. 

The agreement that was signed in Moscow on April 17, 2019, in particular, provides for provides for the possibility of comprehensive training of a citizen of Tajikistan in his country of residence for seasonal work in Russia.  

Authorized bodies of Tajikistan are charged with informing their nationals about the possibility of employment in the Russian Federation, selecting candidates for employment having the required qualifications and experience of work, as well as training and retraining candidates for employment  in accordance with employer’s requirements. 

Besides, Tajik authorities should check the candidates for employment their being on the international or interstate wanted list.

Access to Russia’s labor market is a near-existential issue for Tajikistan, where unemployment is rife and most menial jobs are poorly paid.

Labor migrants are still a critical component in Tajikistan’s economy, keeping many families at home above the poverty line.

According to Russia’s Central Bank, around US$2.5 billion worth of remittances were sent from Russia to Tajikistan in 2018, which was equal to 34 percent of country’s gross domestic product.

Although Tajiks may travel to Russia without a visa, they require additional documentation to work and live there for long periods.