Overview

• The Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia recruits young women from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to fill labor shortages in drone manufacturing.
• Women were misled by promises of work-study programs and lucrative jobs, only to find themselves working long hours under surveillance in harsh conditions.
• The factory in Tatarstan is central to Russia's drone production, with plans to produce 6,000 drones annually by 2025, ahead of schedule with 4,500 already built.
• Workers report exposure to caustic chemicals without adequate protective gear, leading to health issues like skin irritation and itching.
• Human rights organizations suggest the recruitment practices could meet criteria for trafficking, given the deceptive nature and exploitative conditions.