Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that measures aimed at reducing the number of migrant workers in Russia go against the country’s interests as it is currently facing a labor shortage, emphasizing at the same time that keeping the criminal element in the immigrant community at bay is crucial. He made these remarks during a press conference following his visit to Uzbekistan, TASS reports.
Lavrov acknowledged the need for immigrant labor in Russia, given the nation’s current workforce shortages. "Measures to reduce the number of immigrant workers in Russia hardly meet the country's interests," he said. However, he stressed the importance of enforcing Russian laws and ensuring immigrants do not commit crimes. He noted that Uzbekistan shares a "full understanding of the need" to minimize violations and reduce the risks of terrorism and crime among migrant communities.
