Thousands of North Koreans Endure Slave-Like Conditions in Russia Amid Labor Shortages

Reports reveal that North Korean laborers in Russia face abysmal working conditions, forced labor, and increased surveillance by their home country's authorities, all while contributing to Russia's extensive construction projects.

Thousands of North Koreans are being dispatched to work in Russia under what can only be described as slave-like conditions, as Russian authorities face a labor crunch intensified by their ongoing war in Ukraine. According to intelligence from South Korea shared with the BBC, it is estimated that more than 50,000 laborers from North Korea are expected to arrive in Russia to fill the gaps left by local labor shortages.

Interviews with six North Korean workers who escaped from Russia reveal harrowing accounts of exploitation and oppression. One male worker, Jin, recounted landing in Russia's Far East and being escorted directly to a construction site by a North Korean security agent who forbade any interaction with the outside world, declaring, "The outside world is our enemy." Jin, alongside others, worked grueling 18-hour shifts building high-rise apartments, receiving only two days off annually.

Another laborer, Tae, recalled waking each day in dread, trapped in endless repetition and suffering physical pain due to the intense labor. He described how workers who fell asleep on the job were routinely beaten by supervisors. Professor Kang Dong-wan from South Korea highlighted the extent of the workers' perilous conditions, exposing them to dangerous situations without proper safety gear.

If these laborers manage to escape the surveillance of North Korean authorities, they still face dire conditions. Many sleep in overcrowded shipping containers or unfinished homes while agents monitor their every move. Medical emergencies among laborers, like Nam's devastating fall from a construction site, go unaddressed as they are denied hospital visits.

Historically, North Korean workers have been utilized in Russia’s labor market, generating significant revenue for the cash-strapped regime of Kim Jong Un. However, international sanctions imposed in response to North Korea's nuclear ambitions have complicated such arrangements. In recent times, about 10,000 workers have been sent to Russia amidst a dramatic rise in labor needs, with officials predicting the arrival of even more workers who will likely provide labor-intensive support across various industries, including construction and textiles.

Despite being hailed by the Russian government as a solution to its labor deficit, these North Koreans often find themselves experiencing severe exploitation. Earnings are meager, funneling back to the North Korean state under the guise of "loyalty fees," while laborers receive minimal sums after being coerced into leaving family members behind to fulfill a challenging contract.

The stark contrast between wages earned by laborers from Central Asia and those of North Korea has sparked feelings of betrayal among the workers, who express sentiments of living in a “labor camp” rather than a free society. Many have turned to escaping only after being exposed to realities through media from places like South Korea.

In an effort to curtail escapes, North Korean authorities are ramping up ideological training for these workers, further restricting their movement and ensuring tight control over their activities. Recent reports indicate substantial declines in successful escapes, likely a result of increased surveillance measures imposed on workers.

Experts argue that the forced labor and conditions faced by these North Koreans will leave a lasting impact on the Russian economy and encapsulate the complex ties between Russia and North Korea amid wartime cooperation. Kim Seung-chul, an activist focused on rescuing North Korean workers, noted that government crackdowns and monitoring are intensifying as more laborers prepare for arrival from North Korea, hinting at a troubling future for those seeking a better life in Russia.