Image Credits - NDTV
The Seventh General Bureau of North Korea’s Ministry of Social Security has embarked on a significant recruitment drive to select personnel for deployment to Russia. This move follows a series of agreements between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
During a summit in September 2023, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin discussed various practical matters, including the expansion of flights and the dispatch of more North Korean workers to Russia. One of the critical outcomes of these discussions is the deployment of North Korean workers to assist in post-war reconstruction efforts in Russia-occupied territories, particularly in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
The recruitment drive is part of North Korea’s broader strategy to support Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By sending workers to help rebuild infrastructure in the Donbas region, North Korea aims to solidify its alliance with Russia while providing economic opportunities for its citizens abroad. These workers are primarily involved in reconstructing residential buildings, schools, and commercial centres, with more technical projects being handled by Russian personnel.
This deployment is not without controversy. The involvement of North Korean workers in Russia’s war-torn regions is seen as a violation of United Nations sanctions, which prohibit the use of North Korean labour overseas. Despite these international concerns, both countries appear committed to their collaborative efforts. Reports suggest that North Korean workers in the Donbas region receive hazard pay in addition to their regular wages, though they are required to remit a significant portion of their earnings to the North Korean government.
The Ministry of Social Security, formerly known as the Ministry of People’s Security, has undergone significant internal reforms and personnel changes following its rebranding. This restructuring aims to delineate the roles and responsibilities of various security agencies within North Korea, focusing on maintaining social order and national security.