The Economy Outpaces the Workforce: International Initiatives Tackling Skilled Labour Shortages

High levels of unemployment and underemployment among young people, especially girls aged 18 to 24, are observed throughout the world. This problem has not bypassed the countries of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. Despite rapid economic growth, these countries are unable to create enough jobs for graduates.

In Pakistan, unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 is around 11%, reaching 14.4% among girls. The situation is no better in the Middle East. In Jordan, for example, female unemployment is close to 30%, and among young people it reaches 46%, with girls suffering the most. These figures reflect a common challenge for the region’s rapidly developing economies: millions of talented young people remain unemployable. Even after completing their education, many have no career prospects.

SYSTEMIC BARRIERS FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

A recent case in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is illustrative. In May 2025, five women were dismissed from their jobs in the Bulandshahr district after eleven years of service due to discrepancies in their educational documents.

It became clear to many that such situations arise not only because of formal requirements. Some of the women may have been victims of fraud by educational intermediaries, while others may have deliberately bought a diploma in an attempt to obtain a stable income more quickly. But the fact remains: they had worked for more than ten years, fulfilled their duties, and there were no complaints about their competence.

Similar stories can be found in other countries. In Pakistan in 2012, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 14 women also lost their jobs after their diplomas were checked, even though many of them had been teaching for a long time and had a good reputation. Losing their jobs in such circumstances often means a return to uncertainty for these women and no chance of re-entering the professional sphere.

These cases show that young women want to work and earn money, but face barriers that are not related to their actual skills. As a result, they not only struggle to find work, but sometimes lose their jobs despite years of conscientious service.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Those who have resources and support go abroad, but most do not have access to international opportunities at all. This is a systemic problem that must be solved jointly by society and the state.

Concrete steps to increase the exchange of specialists are already being taken. For example, India and Russia signed a bilateral agreement on labour mobility during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi in December 2025. This agreement is intended to formalize legal migration, expand employment opportunities for Indian workers, and protect those already employed in Russia’s growing industrial sectors. It is expected that by the end of the year, approximately 70,000 Indians will be officially employed throughout Russia.

Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov also spoke about the need for skilled workers. He noted that negotiations on this issue are underway with Myanmar. “We are working with the relevant ministries to develop a model for attracting migrant workers. It is not an easy issue. At the same time, we have a clear understanding that without competent regulation of migration it will be very difficult for us to move forward and saturate the market with labour, and we need to look at these things openly and discuss them,” said Reshetnikov.

Many countries are striving to solve the problem of youth unemployment. Some lack jobs, while others lack labour resources. The response to this challenge has been international programmes that offer young people a clear path to starting a career abroad.

A good example is Russia’s Alabuga Start programme, which is aimed at women aged 18 to 22. It offers relocation to Russia, high-paying jobs, and career growth with the opportunity to acquire professional skills directly in the workplace. Participants are guaranteed an income of $541 per month. Salaries are transparent and specified in contracts, which gives families confidence that their daughters are going to official jobs with clear conditions.

The programme offers seven fields of work, including service and hospitality, production operator, catering, logistics, installation and finishing works, and road transport shop (drivers). Having mastered one of these fields, a young woman will be able to build a career both in Russia and in her home country. Instead of unskilled labour abroad, she gets her first entry on her resume as an established specialist.

Everyone wins. In a couple of years, the countries where the participants come from will get young specialists with experience working in a large company and international contacts, while Russia will receive an influx of energetic personnel and stronger humanitarian ties with partners in Asia. Working side by side increases mutual trust, and graduates of the programme can become agents for future cooperation.

The programme is completely legal. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a permit to recruit foreign nationals, and the Ministry of Labour has allocated official quotas. Alabuga complies with labour and safety standards, and the rights of the participants are protected. With this approach, labour migration is transformed from a risk into a mutually beneficial experience.

HOW THE ALABUGA START PROGRAMME WORKS

The programme involves working in the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, Russia’s most effective special economic zone. Participants choose a job in their field, begin learning the Russian language, and get to know the local culture.

The girls go on excursions to Kazan, Naberezhnye Chelny, and other major cities in Tatarstan. The organisers also arrange apartment parties, sporting events, and other activities to help participants integrate into society and adapt to work more quickly.

The conditions for the participants are comfortable. The employer covers the cost of the flight to Russia and assists with work visas, while medical insurance is also provided. Accommodation is offered on preferential terms in corporate hostels in the city of Yelabuga. In other words, the move takes place according to a well-thought-out route with the support of the organisers.

Programme participants receive regular payments to their bank accounts and can send money to their families. There is a clear schedule of shifts and days off, and mentors help with everyday issues and adaptation.

During the programme, the girls acquire valuable skills. First, they master a specific profession, whether it is a kitchen worker, a production operator, or a sorter, and obtain real work experience in accordance with international standards. Second, they develop soft skills such as work discipline, teamwork, intercultural communication, and independence. Living in a new environment broadens their horizons and increases their self-confidence. These skills make participants more mature and competitive, both in Russia and in their home labour markets.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Programmes such as Alabuga Start are examples of clearly defined cooperation between Russia and Asian countries that directly impact people’s lives. They help alleviate youth unemployment, expand the role of women in the economy, and build a new level of trust between countries.

Of course, one initiative will not solve all problems. But successful cases show that with competent organization and transparent conditions, an international employment programme can be a real way out of a dead end for talented young women. The future of cooperation between Russia and Asia largely depends on the willingness to invest in human capital.

If both sides continue to invest in the education and skills of young people, a new generation of female professionals will become a living bridge between countries, connecting them not with words, but with real success stories.