Russia is reportedly considering lowering the minimum working age to 12 and reopening Soviet-era labour camps to address a growing workforce crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions.
Olga Yaroslavskaya, Moscow's children's rights commissioner, proposed the changes, claiming that most teenagers want to work during the summer. She argued that labour camps would provide structure and employment opportunities, particularly for families unable to afford summer activities.
Currently, Russian law permits children to work from age 14 with parental consent, and they can sign labour contracts independently at 15. Yaroslavskaya suggested amending federal legislation to allow part-time work for 12-year-olds during holidays.
The proposals come as Russia faces a labour shortage of approximately 1.5 million workers, driven by the emigration of young professionals avoiding mobilisation and heavy military casualties. Some estimates suggest up to 1.5 million Russian troops have been killed or wounded in Ukraine.
In addition to labour reforms, the education ministry has introduced a mandatory summer reading list for schoolchildren that includes books glorifying the war and soldiers in Ukraine, according to reports.
