Archive · 12 Aug 2025
North Korean Workers Face Slavery in Russia's Labor Shortage
Imagine some people from North Korea are sent to Russia to work because of the war in Ukraine.
They work super long hours, sometimes over 18 hours a day, and are watched closely.
They live in tough conditions and get very little money, with most of their pay going back home.
The workers feel like they are in a prison, not allowed to talk to others or go anywhere.
The North Korean government keeps a close eye on them, making sure they don't escape.
It's like they're working as slaves.
North Korean workers are reportedly being sent to Russia to fill labor shortages due to the war in Ukraine.
The BBC reported that over 50,000 North Korean workers are expected to be deployed, despite a UN ban.
Escaped North Korean workers described extremely long hours, close monitoring, and poor living conditions.
Most wages are sent to Pyongyang as 'loyalty fees,' with workers receiving a small allowance.
Controls have tightened, reducing outings and increasing ideological training for North Korean workers in Russia.
- Who
- North Korean workers and the governments of North Korea and Russia.
- What
- North Korean workers are being deployed to Russia for labor, facing harsh conditions.
- When
- Since the start of the war in Ukraine.
- Where
- Russia, with workers coming from North Korea.
- Why
- To fill labor shortages in Russia, despite a UN ban.
North Korean Workers' Perspective
Russian Government's Stance (Unstated)
Treatment of Workers
North Korean Workers' Perspective
Workers are exploited and experience slave-like conditions.
Russian Government's Stance (Unstated)
The Russian government's perspective is not mentioned in the provided articles.
- Estimated Workers
- Over 50,000
- Primary Work
- Construction, factories, IT centers
- Working Hours
- Reportedly over 18 hours a day
- Wage Allowance
- $100-$200 per month
- Wage Distribution
- Most sent to Pyongyang as loyalty fees
- Monitoring
- Strict by North Korean security agents