Russia’s Ozon To Import Indian Workers To Offset Russian Labour Shortages

Russian e-commerce giant Ozon is looking at recruiting thousands of skilled workers from India, according to reports from Russian media. The move highlights Russia’s increasing focus on sourcing labour resources from friendly nations as it grapples with a shortage of workers.

Ozon’s legal entity, Internet Solutions LLC, is actively working with Indian recruitment agencies to assist with the necessary documentation and logistics for bringing new employees from India. This effort is part of a broader trend among Russian businesses, which are looking beyond traditional markets, particularly in Central Asia, to fill critical positions. Apart from India, Russian businesses are reportedly recruiting from countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, North Korea, and Kenya.

Ozon has emphasizing that it has long been hiring foreign workers with the appropriate qualifications for various roles in its logistics operations. “This project does not pertain specifically to recruiting IT professionals,” Ozon stated, reinforcing its commitment to bringing in qualified talent regardless of geographic origin.

Natalya Kolesnikova, director at Ancor, a recruitment consultancy, has said that Russia has emerged as a global centre for attracting labour migrants, including those with specialized skills. Kolesnikova noted that Indian applicants are vying for both unskilled and advanced positions, with a particularly high demand for IT specialists in the Russian market.

At the same time, she noted, the growing interest in overseas opportunities, including jobs in Russia, among Indian workers, both skilled and semi-skilled, largely stems from low income levels and standards in their home country and the lack of quality employment options back home.

The development aligns with recent discussions between the Indian and Russian governments regarding skills development for the Indian workforce tailored to Russian needs. During the 25th India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting last month, chaired by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, both sides announced plans to create vocational training programs for Indian workers to facilitate future employment in Russian companies. This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward strengthening labor ties between the two nations and addressing the pressing need for skilled labor in Russia.