As Russia grapples with a workforce shortfall due to the Ukraine war, over 50,000 North Koreans are being sent to work under severe conditions. Many describe their experience as akin to slavery, with limited freedom and exorbitant hours.
North Korean Workers Facing Exploitation in Russia Amid Labor Shortages
North Korean Workers Facing Exploitation in Russia Amid Labor Shortages
Reports reveal that thousands of North Koreans are subjected to grueling working conditions in Russia, filling the void left by local laborers amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Thousands of North Korean workers are currently being deployed to Russia to address severe labor shortages exacerbated by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Reports by multiple sources, including South Korean intelligence, indicate that more than 50,000 North Koreans are expected to be sent to fill roles primarily in construction, with many experiencing deplorable working conditions.
Interviews with six defectors reveal a grim reality. Workers report being watched closely by North Korean security agents and subjected to extraordinary work hours, with some working more than 18 hours a day building high-rise apartments, often with minimal breaks or safety measures. The testimonies describe a life of despair, with workers confined to their sites and living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, likened to prison camps.
One laborer, Tae, recounted horrifying workdays that began at 6 AM and often extended well into the night, where fatigue led to severe physical ailments. Escape attempts are rare and perilous, with North Korean authorities intensifying surveillance and limiting workers' movements in recent months. Despite these risks, some have managed to flee, motivated by the stark realization of their circumstances compared to other construction workers.
Historically, tens of thousands of North Koreans worked in Russia, which provided substantial revenue to Kim Jong Un’s regime until UN sanctions aimed to curtail this practice. However, recent intelligence reports suggest a resurgence in sending laborers, particularly as Russia's need for cheap and diligent workers grows amid its military endeavors.
Experts warn that the ongoing conflict may further entrench this exploited labor system, binding North Korea and Russia in a grim partnership that extends beyond the battlefield. The dire situation of these workers exemplifies the broader humanitarian issues tied to geopolitical conflicts.
