Labour migration in the CIS (the states of the former USSR excluding the
Baltic states) has become a large-scale and significant socio-economic
phenomenon. According to my estimates, 8-11 million people or approximately 6-
8 per cent of the economically active population of the region is involved in
migration. The average number of labour migrants from the states of the region
simultaneously staying abroad during a one year-period is shown in Table 1.
The principal cause of labour migration is the large difference in socioeconomic
indicators in the CIS countries. Against the background of the region’s
general decline in living standard, curtailed production and unemployment growth,
some states of the region such as Russia and Kazakhstan, are notable for their
socio-economic stability, high labour market capacity and high wage standards.
Combined with their geographical proximity, a visa-free regime, “transparency” of
crossing the borders, cultural and language community, existing relations and
business ties, recognition (convertibility) of diplomas, these countries attract
substantial flows of labour migrants from the CIS region.