Recently, a mass exodus of labor migrants from Russia has been observed. Between August 25 and September 5, 2026, more than 96,000 citizens returned to Uzbekistan. Of these, 54,800 arrived directly from Russia, while 41,500 arrived in transit through Kazakhstan.
Experts attribute this situation to the tightening of migration legislation, changes in residency requirements, a complex geopolitical situation, and the depreciation of the ruble. Declining incomes are making other destinations more attractive for migrants.
Labor shortages are particularly evident in the construction sector. For example, in the city of Ulan-Ude, the cost of building a 50-meter wall amounted to 1 million rubles, of which 600,000 rubles went solely to labor costs. There is a shortage of qualified specialists for concrete work, bricklaying, and interior finishing.
This trend is also causing prices for tiling and plastering work to rise. Customers are forced to pay higher fees for services or wait weeks for specialists. Further weakening of the national currency may deepen the labor shortage and lead to increased costs for private construction and renovation.
