How migrant workers work in organizations of the Mogilev region

Over the past five years, a stable increase in foreign citizens attracted to the economy of the region has been recorded in the Mogilev region. They see the advantages of temporary resettlement in a decent salary and a calm environment in Belarus, while the region solves the problem of staff shortage.

In Dribinsk SPMC No. 1, specializing in agricultural facilities, workers are required due to the growing volume of construction. Currently, a large-scale reconstruction of two MTCs, the construction of calf dispensaries, the reconstruction of the former dairy plant. For the implementation of the investment project for the production of reinforced concrete products, a loan was received within the framework of the Regional Initiative: the line operates around the clock, and these are also jobs. Dribin is the smallest district center in the country, staff attracts from all over the republic. However, the supply in the labor market does not keep pace with the growth in demand for skilled workers, explains Sergey Kokits, Director of SPMC No. 1: The country has a high level of employment, so it was strategically correct for the state to stimulate international migration flows as a response to the deficit of the domestic labor market. Our company currently has 260 employees, 60 of whom are migrant workers from Turkmenistan. Our staff will soon be replenished with foreign workers. We see that such personnel tactics are economically justified.

Ruslan Beshimov was the first citizen of Turkmenistan to be hired by the Dribinsk company. It's in its third year. Ruslan is not just a foreman with his compatriots, but often an interpreter. Its main mission is the adaptation coordinator: meets from the airport, introduces a new place of residence and work. He is the owner of the house, where beginners initially settle in order to acclimatize faster. He came to Belarus for a decent income, says the man:

- Here I am a general worker, everything was taught on the spot. I send money to my family, I have three children. Belarusians treat us very kindly.

Then the word of mouth worked: Ruslan told his friends about the working conditions in Belarus, those – his. In the near future, 11 more people will arrive, special permits have already been obtained for them.

Dzhovly Amirkulov from the city of Magdanli considers Belarusians a fraternal people who are always ready to lend a shoulder. Near his city Belarusians built Garlyk mining and processing plant.

- I have four children, all students, so a stable salary is important. I built my own house and I know my job. We have a different climate, the heat can be up to 50 degrees. Winter in Belarus is unusual for us, but I bought valenki, laughs the migrant worker.

Agamyrat Begliev has five children, and a garden of two hectares:

- I really like your apples, I want to plant them in my home country. I have been working here for a year now and live in a good hostel. At the holidays in Dribin, we arrange a Turkmen farmstead with carpets and our national dishes - pilaf and shurpa, treat everyone, communicate.

In the village of Okunevka, Shklovsky district, a brigade of Turkmens of 18 people is involved in the overhaul of two empty apartment buildings. The local agricultural enterprise intends in the future to settle there workers, by the way, most likely also migrant workers.

Assistant Director of Dribinsk SPMC No. 1 Natalia Davydenko, who oversees the issue of personnel, shares plans: — In the near future, we will publish 40 new vacancies. To protect the interests of Belarusian citizens, information about the vacancy should be on the portal of the state employment service for at least 15 working days. Legislation in the field of external labor migration in Belarus is built on the principle of a clear balance of interests and transparency of procedures for both parties - all under strict state control. Attracting migrant workers motivates local workers well, adds Sergey Kokits:

- As the President said, we are ready to welcome all those who want to work, who respect our state and people, who want to behave with dignity. We plan to fly to Turkmenistan to get acquainted with the culture and customs of this country. This is how people’s diplomacy works: through personal contacts and mutual interest, strong economic and partnership ties between states are built.

COMMENTARY

Petr Simonchik, Head of Citizenship and Migration Department of the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee:

- In the Mogilev region there is an annual increase in labor migrants. If in 2022, 278 foreign citizens worked in the region, then in January-September of this year - more than 2,300. The main areas of their employment remain industry, construction and agriculture. In terms of countries, most citizens come from Turkmenistan. They account for 49 per cent. Next are India (10.5 per cent), Ukraine (8.5 per cent) and the Russian Federation (8 per cent).

Every year, the conditions for legal employment of foreigners are simplified in Belarus, the list of professions for which foreign specialists can be accepted without obtaining a special permit is expanding. At the same time, attracting foreign labor is under strict control by both law enforcement agencies and employers themselves.

kukshinskaya@sb.by