In the sad aftermath of the harrowing concert hall attack near Moscow, a wave of migrant workers is bidding farewell to Russia and returning to their homeland of Tajikistan. The heart-wrenching incident, described as the worst in Russia in the past two decades, claimed the lives of at least 144 innocent souls, leaving the nation in shock and mourning.
As details unfold, it has been revealed that four of the suspected gunmen involved in the tragedy are Tajik citizens. In a joint effort between Tajik and Russian authorities, these individuals, along with seven other suspects, including some from Tajikistan, have been taken into custody. The devastating attack has not only shattered lives but has also instilled fear and panic within the Tajik community residing in Russia.
The Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment in Tajikistan has been inundated with distress calls from its concerned citizens, seeking guidance and assistance to return home. Shakhnoza Nodiri, the ministry’s deputy head, acknowledged the rising departure, stating,
“We receive a lot of calls. These are most likely not complaints about harassment, but fear of our citizens, panic, many want to leave.”
The impact of this sudden outflow of migrant workers from Russia is reverberating across the labour market. Already grappling with a shortage of skilled workers, the Russian construction industry is now confronted with a staggering 36% increase in labour deficit compared to the previous year. Anton Glushkov, president of the National Association of Builders (NOSTROY), expressed concerns about the mounting challenges, highlighting the potential consequences for inflation and the overall economy.
Tajikistan, while witnessing an influx of returning migrants, expects this trend to be temporary. The nation’s labor ministry remains vigilant, closely monitoring the situation and working towards providing necessary support to its citizens. Despite the setback, Russia and Tajikistan are determined to address the aftermath of the concert hall attack and its implications on labour migration.
As authorities in Tajikistan intensify their investigations, nine individuals have been detained this week on suspicion of having ties to the mass shooting and connections to the militant Islamist State group, which claimed responsibility for the horrific incident.
The unfolding tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the urgent need for collective efforts to combat extremism and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals. The impact of this tragic event will continue to shape the labor market dynamics and security measures in Russia and Tajikistan, prompting a reflection on the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
