Workers from North Korea are working in Russia to recover after the war

• Workers from North Korea are working in Russia to address the shortage of labor due to the war in Ukraine.
• Workers are facing horrific working conditions and restrictions on their freedom.
• A larger portion of the earnings of these workers goes to support the North Korean regime.

As a result of the war in Ukraine, Russia is facing a serious shortage of labor. North Korea is responding to this by sending thousands of its citizens to Russia to work in horrific conditions. According to data from North Korean sources, these workers, who often work 18 hours a day, are trying to compensate for losses, sending money back to North Korea for the war effort.

Workers who escape from Russia report about the horrific working conditions in which they are forced to live and work. They describe being under constant surveillance by North Korean agents and living in cramped containers or unfinished apartments without proper heating.

They receive only a portion of their earnings, as most of the money goes to support the Kim Jong Un regime. Despite a ban on the use of North Korean labor, Russia continues to recruit these workers for various projects, including construction.

Research shows that in 2024, over 13,000 North Korean workers arrived in Russia, which is 12 times more than in the previous year. The government of North Korea is trying to maintain control over these workers, increasing oversight and restricting their freedom.

Tags: Russia/Politics