North Korean workers are in forced labor in Russia

In Russia, thousands of North Korean workers are being forced to work in harsh conditions in construction, factory, and manufacturing sectors to address labor shortages. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to South Korean intelligence, Russia plans to recruit up to 50,000 workers from North Korea to alleviate labor shortages caused by the Ukraine war. In 2024, more than 13,000 Korean workers were brought into Russia, most of whom entered through "student visas."

This is being viewed as a method to circumvent the sanctions imposed by the UN. Escaped workers have reported being forced to work more than 18 hours a day, having only two days off throughout the year, and living in cold and unsanitary accommodations.

They are under the control of North Korean security personnel, with almost no opportunities to go outside. There have also been cases where injured workers were forced to continue working.

Experts believe this system represents a significant financial resource for North Korea. The main income of the workers is sent back to Pyongyang, leaving them with only 100-200 USD per month.

This money is given upon their return to their homeland, further reducing the chances of escape. According to South Korean sources, the number of workers fleeing from Russia is decreasing: while this number was 20 in 2022, it has dropped to 10 in 2024.

Observers note that this situation may intensify as a result of the political rapprochement between the two countries.