Traditional and Emerging Chinese Migration in the Labour Market of Sverdlovsk Oblast (Russia): A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The expanding cultural and economic ties between Russia and China have increased the influx of Chinese labour migrants into various Russian regions, including Sverdlovsk Oblast. Recently, this region has seen growing migration flows from northeastern Chinese provinces. This study aims to identify the employment characteristics and adaptation strategies of Chinese migrants in the labour market, focusing on Yekaterinburg—the city with the largest number of migrants from distant foreign countries. The methodology combines empirical data from official sources with insights from semi-structured interviews conducted in Chinese among migrants who arrived in September–October 2024 and January 2025. Findings highlight the university’s dual role: as an educational institution training highly skilled personnel and as an employer facilitating migrant adaptation through modern, intellectual employment opportunities. The research distinguishes between two types of Chinese labour migration: “traditional,” consisting primarily of low- and medium-skilled workers concentrated around the urban clothing market, and “new,” composed of young Chinese migrants pursuing or having completed education at Russian universities while actively participating in the labour market. The study identified two main adaptation patterns: “traditional” migrants generally experience segregation, whereas “new” migrants are more inclined toward integration. Both groups demonstrate high adaptive capacity and exhibit entrepreneurial characteristics. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of Chinese migration and may support further development of Russia-China cooperation.