The Attitude of the Population of Ekaterinburg to Labour Migrants Seen as a Source of Danger

Abstract

n recent decades, labour migrants from border countries have rushed to the cities of Russia. On the one hand, they fill labour-market niches that have occurred in connection with the demographic decline in the Russian Federation. On the other hand, they are a source of problems due to the difference in mentality, difficulties with employment, the lack of a permanent source of livelihood, and also xenophobia on the part of the local population. The article examines the attitude of Ekaterinburg residents towards migrants from the Caucasus and Asia that are seen as a source of danger and illegal actions. The study aims to identify the level and causes of local residents’ fear of migrants, as well as to provide recommendations for the population and authorities in order to reduce manifestations of xenophobia and reduce criminal tension. It is hypothesised that the government’s inattention to the negative manifestations of the influence of migrants on the daily life of city citizens and the criminalisation of certain microdistricts led to high-profile incidents and escalation of xenophobia. The conducted pilot study confirmed this hypothesis. The research perspectives are a large-scale survey of citizens, as well as an analysis of the activities of the authorities to resolve the situation.