Labor market integration of nigerian migrants in Moscow, Russia

Tomsk State University Journal of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science. 2022. No. 67. P. 132–139.

Oni  I. O.

This article investigates the economic integration of Nigerian migrants living in Moscow. It examines the process of integration of student migrants and other migrants who are participating in the economic landscape in Moscow. It is noteworthy that a significant proportion of Nigerian migrants during the Soviet era were students, while the rest were government representatives. Some of these students suffered both physical and psychological abuses which was contrary to the Soviet’s gospel of racial equality. However, after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the dynamics of Nigerian migration to post-Soviet Russia changed, but the discrimination against them continued to subsist. To understand the integration of Nigerian migrants within the economic terrain in Moscow, this article builds on the experiences shared by 25 Nigerian migrants who are actively participating in the Russian economy. Building on the experiences of these Nigerian migrants, this research is divided into two parts. The first explores the situations that many Nigerian migrants underwent when they were seeking employment and the practices within their organizations. While the second part of this research examines the stories of 2 Nigerian entrepreneurs in Moscow. Findings from this study reveal some of the contradictions in the Russian laws against the welfare of migrants and further show that African products are getting popular in Russia. Drawing conclusions from in-depth interviews with migrants from Nigeria much is learned about their experiences and how it has shaped their perceptions of their host country. It adds to the understanding of the situations Nigerian migrants are exposed to and how they have been able to strategize their integration mechanisms regarding economic participation in Moscow. 

Keywords: экономическая интеграция, economic integration, Nigerian migrants, ethnic entrepreneur, этнический предприниматель, нигерийские мигранты

Publication based on the results of: The role of social diversity in institutional contexts: the inclusive society’s potential and challenges (2022)