MOSCOW - "New Forced Labour in Russia" (Note 2), is the first attempt to investigate the coercive aspects of irregular migration in Russia. Conducted in 2003 in the Moscow, Omsk and Stavropol regions, the study reveals a grim underworld occupied by some 3.5 million to 5 million irregular migrants in the country.
"Serious gaps" exist in Russian law, the study says. Labour legislation fails to put a halt to forced labour and labour exploitation - especially for migrants engaged in the informal economy - and migration legislation is in disarray. Corruption among officials is rife. Over 70 per cent of fines for unregistered work are paid in bribes.
The study also discovered a swelling shadow economy. Less than 25 per cent of the polled migrants have work permits, and 74 per cent of migrants receive their wages in so-called "black cash", meaning that they avoid any taxes or charges.
Most disturbingly, new forms of forced labour and slavery-like conditions are emerging. Deception, blackmail and abduction are widespread. And many migrants are forced to work without pay, provide sex services, or are under the threat of deportation or violence.
Yet these victims of exploitation distrust the authorities and are unwilling to seek justice. Xenophobia and widespread links between law enforcement agencies and criminal factions do little to improve the situation.
The study says urgent action is required. With Russia increasingly dependent on the influx of migrant workers, mechanisms must be created to allow them to work legitimately, the study says. It calls for effective law enforcement, a fight against corruption, and a campaign to counter the tolerant attitude of the authorities and society towards human exploitation.
"All labour institutions must be involved," says Roger Plant, head of the ILO SAP-FL programme. "This study has shed light on the problems. Now, with the launch of a new project on forced labour, migration and trafficking between Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia, we are helping governments tackle these problems head-on."
Note 2: For more information, please visit www.ilo.ru.