Thousands of North Koreans are being dispatched to Russia under dire working conditions, effectively as "slave labor," as their government attempts to alleviate a labor shortage provoked by the war with Ukraine. The UK’s BBC recently reported insights from over six defectors who described their unsettling experiences working in construction sites across Russia.
Upon arrival, North Korean workers find themselves under strict surveillance, often accompanied by agents mandating silence about their surroundings. Many report grueling work hours, sometimes enduring shifts that last up to 18 hours, followed by exhausting two-day off schedules annually.
Escapees recounted traumatic conditions where injuries went untreated, and safety protocols were virtually nonexistent—work sites were poorly lit, creating risks for accidents. Compounding this harsh environment, many laborers lived in dirty, cramped quarters, further eroding their dignity and well-being.
Analysis indicates that North Korea is motivated by the lure of financial gain, as these overseas jobs promise higher earnings than what's available at home. However, these workers typically see only a fraction of their income, as much is seized by the state in what are referred to as "loyalty fees."
Recent reports suggest that numbers of North Koreans in labor roles in Russia could increase to over 50,000, with these workers becoming integral to many sectors including construction and clothing manufacturing—all in direct violation of UN sanctions.
As conditions grow more dire, North Korean authorities have begun enforcing stricter rules to prevent escape attempts, including diminishing worker freedoms and ramping up ideological training sessions.
The future remains uncertain for these laborers caught in a web of exploitation, as the repercussions of the war in Ukraine continue to reshape their fates. As experts predict, the worker exchange initiated by the friendship between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin could become a lasting aspect of their wartime collaboration.
Upon arrival, North Korean workers find themselves under strict surveillance, often accompanied by agents mandating silence about their surroundings. Many report grueling work hours, sometimes enduring shifts that last up to 18 hours, followed by exhausting two-day off schedules annually.
Escapees recounted traumatic conditions where injuries went untreated, and safety protocols were virtually nonexistent—work sites were poorly lit, creating risks for accidents. Compounding this harsh environment, many laborers lived in dirty, cramped quarters, further eroding their dignity and well-being.
Analysis indicates that North Korea is motivated by the lure of financial gain, as these overseas jobs promise higher earnings than what's available at home. However, these workers typically see only a fraction of their income, as much is seized by the state in what are referred to as "loyalty fees."
Recent reports suggest that numbers of North Koreans in labor roles in Russia could increase to over 50,000, with these workers becoming integral to many sectors including construction and clothing manufacturing—all in direct violation of UN sanctions.
As conditions grow more dire, North Korean authorities have begun enforcing stricter rules to prevent escape attempts, including diminishing worker freedoms and ramping up ideological training sessions.
The future remains uncertain for these laborers caught in a web of exploitation, as the repercussions of the war in Ukraine continue to reshape their fates. As experts predict, the worker exchange initiated by the friendship between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin could become a lasting aspect of their wartime collaboration.
