North Korean Workers Facing 'Slave-Like' Conditions in Russia Amid Labor Shortage

A significant number of North Koreans are working in Russia under dire conditions, as Moscow increasingly relies on them to address labor shortages exacerbated by its ongoing war in Ukraine. Reports reveal that North Korean laborers are subjected to long hours, minimal safety measures, and oppressive oversight from their government, resulting in a grim reality that echoes slave-like work environments.

Thousands of North Koreans are being dispatched to Russia to alleviate a severe labor shortage caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, with emerging reports detailing their harrowing experiences. The BBC has reported that over 50,000 North Korean workers are expected to be sent to Russia, where they face what many describe as 'slave-like' conditions.

As Russia's military efforts have intensified, the demand for labor has increased significantly. Moscow has sought help from Pyongyang not only in terms of military supplies but also in human resources, as many of its men are currently engaged in combat or have fled the country. South Korean intelligence officials indicate that the Russian government’s reliance on North Korean laborers has significantly escalated since the start of the war.

Interviews conducted with six North Korean workers who managed to escape Russia reveal that their working conditions are dire. The laborers are often chaperoned by North Korean security personnel from the moment they arrive, restricted from engaging with anyone or experiencing the outside world. One worker recounted an instance where he worked for more than 18 hours a day, with only two days off each year.

Another laborer, Tae, expressed the horror of starting each day, feeling as though he was trapped in a never-ending cycle of exhausting labor. He described the physical toll; too fatigued to continue, some workers resort to sleeping at their posts, facing brutal punishment by supervisors if caught. Experts reiterate that the working conditions are appalling, with many laborers exposed to potentially hazardous environments, often operating in the dark without adequate safety gear.

The North Korean regime maintains strict control over workers, watching them constantly while they reside in unsanitary, overcrowded quarters. Reports of incidents where workers have been denied medical care after sustaining severe injuries further underscore the inhumane conditions they endure.

Despite past restrictions imposed by the UN on North Korean labor exports aimed at hindering funding for Kim Jong Un’s regime, the influx of workers has soared. Current figures suggest that over 10,000 North Koreans were sent to Russia last year alone. Ongoing intelligence indicates that this number is expected to rise significantly in the future.

Russian officials themselves have acknowledged this labor influx, with a senior official recently admitting that thousands of North Koreans would be involved in rebuilding efforts in contested regions. Experts note that North Koreans are sought for their low cost and hard-working nature, making them an appealing resource for labor-heavy industries in Russia.

However, the grim reality faced by North Korean workers contradicts their expectations of better pay and living conditions. Many are driven by the hope of earning sufficient funds to support their families back home, only to discover that they are subjected to extreme exploitation while receiving only a fraction of their wages.

This labor system further complicates the workers' situations as the bulk of their earnings are sent back to the North Korean government as "loyalty fees," resulting in deep disillusionment and feelings of entrapment among the laborers. As some escapees share their stories, they express a mix of grief and humiliation, realizing their true worth in the eyes of their employers and the extent to which they have been commodified.

Recent crackdowns by the North Korean government on workers’ freedoms have made escape increasingly difficult. These laborers are now subjected to stricter controls and ideological indoctrinations aimed at deterring defection. Attempts to flee have halved in recent years, indicating the rising challenges faced by those seeking to escape.

Experts suggest that the growing collaboration between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin may lead to a continuous flow of North Korean workers into Russia, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation long after the current conflict subsides. The situation raises critical concerns regarding human rights and the treatment of North Korean laborers amidst global political tensions.