In response to complaints from residents about the increasing number of migrants with low qualifications and poor language skills, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin strongly addressed the criticism. Speaking on the TVC channel on December 3, he suggested that such complaints lacked foundation and offered an alternative solution.
"Take a broom and go sweep"
Sobyanin pointed out that the number of labor migrants in the city has not changed since 2018. In response to demands for higher-qualified migrants, he said: “I would advise these experts, if they are so enthusiastic, to take a broom and go sweep in a Moscow yard, with a higher education, and a doctorate.” The mayor emphasized that it was unlikely anyone with such qualifications would take on such work, meaning the city still needs migrants for less skilled jobs.
Interior ministry statistics and safety
Sobyanin also mentioned that there has not been a clear record of labor migrants in Moscow, but referred to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which shows that the number of crimes among migrants has decreased, and the clearance rate has increased. “The number of serious crimes, such as robberies, murders, and thefts, has decreased significantly. Robberies have decreased by 7.5 times, murders by 2 times,” Sobyanin added. At the same time, he pointed out that the issue of identifying criminals by nationality remains complex, as a crime must first be solved and proven.
Improvements, but not ideal
Sobyanin emphasized that, while improvements in crime statistics have been made, “this does not mean everything is perfect and everyone is satisfied.” He acknowledged that the large number of migrants requires increased attention, stricter control, and order. However, he also noted that with the expansion of Moscow's area and population growth, the number of dangerous personal crimes has decreased.
