A group of 17 Indian migrants has found an unexpected solution to Russia's severe labour shortage, taking up jobs as street cleaners in the city of St. Petersburg. Their story highlights a unique migration trend where professionals from diverse fields are embracing manual labour abroad for better financial prospects.
From Tech Hubs to Russian Streets: The Unlikely Career Shift
Among the group is 26-year-old Mukesh Mandal, who claims to have previously worked as a software developer, mentioning experience with companies like Microsoft and tools involving AI and chatbots. The workers, aged between 19 and 43, arrived in Russia approximately four months ago under the facilitation of a local road maintenance firm, Kolomyazhskoye JSC. The company handled all their paperwork, travel, and now provides their housing, meals, protective clothing, and transportation.
Maria Tyabina, the Acting Head of the Comprehensive Cleaning Department at Kolomyazhskoye, confirmed their roles. "They are manual laborers, cleaning the streets," she stated, outlining the full support system provided to the Indian workers. Each employee earns a salary close to 100,000 Russian rubles, roughly equivalent to ₹1.1 lakh per month.
Diverse Backgrounds, Common Goal
The profiles of these workers paint a fascinating picture of India's informal economy. While one has a background in software, others were formerly farmers, small business owners, wedding planners, tanners, drivers, and architects. This diversity underscores the powerful financial draw of overseas employment, even in roles far removed from their original expertise.
For Mukesh Mandal, the move is purely temporary and goal-oriented. "My plan for the year is to stay in Russia, earn some money, and then return to my country," he explained in an interview, adding that he focuses on doing his job to the best of his ability.
A Philosophical Take on Work and Duty
When questioned about his shift from a tech career to street cleaning, Mandal offered a perspective rooted in a pragmatic work ethic. "I'm Indian, and for an Indian, the job doesn't matter. Work is for God. You can work anywhere—in the toilet, on the street, anywhere," he said. "This is my job, my duty and responsibility—to do it as well as possible. That's all."
This incident sheds light on the broader dynamics of global labour mobility, where Russia's acute workforce shortage is opening doors for migrants willing to fill essential but demanding roles. It also reflects the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their financial objectives, setting aside professional labels for opportunity.
