Migrants in Mariupol. ‘I got paid about $700 for two weeks’ work’ |
Dozens of Tajik migrants of Ukraine Russia works in construction works in the occupied city of Mariupol. Workers say they were brought to Ukraine with promises of high wages and other benefits.
Speaking to RFE/RL on December 5, workers from various construction companies in Russia, as well as Russia and said they were recruited by intermediaries from Tajikistan to repair war-damaged buildings.
“We were told that 1,900 per month dollars we will earn and our salary will be paid every two weeks. But for two weeks of work, I received about $700.” – the one who only says his name Sunnatullah complains.
“Besides, they said that they will give us a good place to stay and three meals a day. The place where we stayed is bad and the food is bad. Salary is always late and less than promised.” – 20 old Sunnatullah says. The young man who came to Mariupola a month ago says he wants to leave here.
It should be noted that the port city of Mariupol, after 3 months of brutal siege, in May Russia was occupied by
Another Tajik national named Iso has been working here for five months. He says he never gets his salary on time.
In the video sent by the migrants to RFE/RL on December 4, a group of Tajik workers working in Mariupol demands their wages from their employers.
Some of the people the workers said were mediators did not respond to radio calls.
The first group of migrant workers, including Tajik workers, was brought to Mariupol in early summer. At that time, the local government appointed by Russia began to rebuild the destroyed city. Much of Mariupol, including many residential areas and public buildings, was left in ruins after three months of Russian bombardment.
Most of the workers were recruited in Russia, where millions of Central Asians work.
According to the workers, some companies promised them that they would be paid four times more in Mariupol than in Russia. Some workers who spoke to RFE/RL in early October said that at first some of those promises were fulfilled.
A 30-year-old employed by a private Russian construction company called Restavratsiya Gurban Sharifov Mariupola arrived in August.
After almost two months passed, Sharifov said that he received a salary of about 2,350 dollars, twice as much as in Russia.
“Here we repair damaged buildings, replace windows and doors, put new roofs. They provide meals 3 times a day, and our companies also provide accommodation.” – says Sharifov.
But Sharifov is next of his salary he says he doesn’t know how long it will be. According to him, although he does not feel in danger in Mariupol, his family in Tajikistan is worried about his work in Ukraine.
It is not known how many Tajiks are in Mariupol. However, according to Sharifov, “Restavratsiya” company alone has sent 110 workers here, and most of them are Tajik. Some workers say that 120 Tajik workers work in the city.
The Embassy of Tajikistan in Moscow warns its citizens not to travel to high-risk areas and conflict zones.
Defending the rights of Tajik migrants Karimcon Yorov is concerned that Tajik workers are violating international law by coming to Maiupol.
“Their Ukraine they have no right to be in Mariupol without the government’s permission, because here Ukraine territory”, – he says.
“They [Ukrayna hökuməti] by imprisonment if done, they will be responsible according to the laws of Ukraine and international laws”, Yorov warned.
Many Tajik migrants working in Russia say they have received offers from construction companies but turned them down because they did not want to risk their lives.
In a video sent from Mariupol, Tajik workers warn other migrants about empty promises: “It’s all a lie. Don’t come here.”