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Can smartphones empower labour migrants? The case of Kyrgyzstani migrants in Russia

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  • Vanessa Ruget
  • Burul Usmanalieva

Abstract

In the last two decades, mobile phones and new technologies have transformed migration. Some scholars argue that they help empower migrants, who are otherwise often marginalized in their host country. We discuss the extent to which this is true for Kyrgyz labour migrants in Russia, a relatively large diaspora that suffers from multiple levels of disempowerment, ranging from precarious living and working conditions to a lack of legal support and representation from their home government. Relying on fieldwork conducted in Kyrgyzstan in 2017 and 2018, we explore the extent to which smartphones are enabling Kyrgyz labour migrants in Russia to be informed about migration rules, help each other abroad, connect as a diaspora, and discuss important diaspora topics. Our findings are relevant beyond academia, as many international and governmental agencies are trying to assist migrants through technology; they also point to several missed opportunities for these organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa Ruget & Burul Usmanalieva, 2019. "Can smartphones empower labour migrants? The case of Kyrgyzstani migrants in Russia," Central Asian Survey, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(2), pages 165-180, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ccasxx:v:38:y:2019:i:2:p:165-180
    DOI: 10.1080/02634937.2019.1594170
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    Cited by:

    1. Roland-Holst, David & Karymshakov, Kamalbek & Sulaimanova, Burulcha & Sultakeev, Kadyrbek, 2022. "ICT, Online Search Behavior, and Remittances: Evidence from the Kyrgyz Republic," ADBI Working Papers 1348, Asian Development Bank Institute.

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