Ryazantsev S.V., Vazirov Z.K., Garibova F.M. «Stranded on the Borders» between Russia and the Homeland: Migrants from Central Asia Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nauchnoe obozrenie. Seriya 1. Jekonomika i parvî [Scientific Review. Series 1. Economics and Law]. 2020. Nî. 3. Ð. 45-58. DOI: 10.26653 ...

Abstract

The article discusses the problems of migrants in the border regions of Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as on the borders of Central Asian countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research covers the border regions of Russia and Central Asian countries, with a focus on the Russian-Kazakh border section. The current situation with labor migrants from the Central Asian republics in Russia and Kazakhstan on the eve of the coronavirus pandemic is analyzed. The number of migrants in the border regions of Russia in 2019-2020 was clarified, including by type of economic activity. Sociological and statistical research methods, including factor and content analysis, were used to identify the position of mi grants in the border regions of Russia and Central Asian countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affects Central Asian labor migrants, who comprise the largest group of foreign labor in Russia and Kazakhstan. Most migrant workers currently face unemployment and lack livelihoods due to the coronovirus pandemic. Due to restrictions and the closure of state borders, migrants cannot return to their countries of origin. At the same time, the economy of the host countries, especially the border regions of the Central Asian section of the borders of Russia, suffers from a shortage of agricultural workers, who play an important role in the production, processing and supply of food. Amid the economic downturn and contraction of the labor market in Russia caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agricultural sector can provide work for many labor migrants. Recommendations are made at the international and national levels to relieve tension with migrants in the border regions of Russia, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.