Diverse migrant workers gather at a brightly lit Russian mosque, symbolizing cultural integration and hope.

Bridging Cultures: How Faith Impacts Migrant Workers' Integration in Russia

Elliot Brynn in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the vital role of religion in easing the transition for Muslim migrants in Russia's diverse regions."

In an era defined by increasing global migration, understanding the factors that influence successful integration is more critical than ever. For migrant workers, the challenges of adapting to a new country are multifaceted, encompassing linguistic, cultural, and social adjustments. Among these, religion often plays a pivotal, yet sometimes overlooked, role. This is particularly true in diverse societies like Russia, where the intersection of different cultures and faiths creates a unique environment for migrant integration.

A recent study, focusing on Muslim migrant workers in several of Russia’s Muslim regions, sheds light on the ethnoconfessional aspects of social adaptation. The research underscores how religious identity and community support can significantly ease the transition process, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating social inclusion. With the backdrop of post-Soviet sociopolitical changes and economic migrations, understanding these dynamics is essential for both policymakers and communities aiming to support successful migrant integration.

This article will delve into the key findings of this study, examining the influence of religion on the social adaptation of migrant workers. It aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise at the intersection of faith, migration, and cultural integration, offering a nuanced perspective on how religious identity shapes the migrant experience in Russia.

The Influence of Religion on Social Adaptation: Key Findings

Diverse migrant workers gather at a brightly lit Russian mosque, symbolizing cultural integration and hope.

The study, conducted in July 2011, surveyed 280 migrant workers aged 18-64 in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The respondents came primarily from Central Asia and the Transcaucasia, regions with a historically significant Muslim population. The research highlighted that a large majority of migrants from Uzbekistan (98.1%), Tajikistan (97.8%), and Azerbaijan (74.1%) identified as Muslim. This ethnoconfessional composition underscores the significant role of Islam in the lives of these workers.

Key findings from the survey reveal the following:

Religious Identity: A strong sense of religious identity was prevalent among the migrant workers. This identity served as a foundation for building community and social networks.
Community Support: Religious institutions such as mosques provided essential support networks. These networks offered not only spiritual guidance but also practical assistance, including help with accommodation, employment, and legal matters.
Cultural Preservation: Religion facilitated the preservation of cultural traditions. Religious holidays and ceremonies provided opportunities for migrants to maintain ties to their cultural heritage, reducing feelings of isolation and cultural displacement.
Social Integration: Participation in religious activities fostered social integration by creating spaces for interaction with co-nationals and local community members. This interaction helped bridge cultural gaps and promoted mutual understanding.

While the study highlights the positive impacts of religious identity, it also acknowledges potential challenges. Some respondents expressed discontent with local religious practices, leading them to seek alternative forms of worship or community. This underscores the importance of religious diversity and the need for inclusive religious spaces that cater to a wide range of beliefs and practices.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Inclusive Integration

The study's findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and organizations involved in migrant support. Recognizing the crucial role of religion in the lives of migrant workers can inform the development of more effective integration strategies. By fostering inclusive religious spaces, promoting intercultural dialogue, and supporting community-based initiatives, societies can create environments where migrant workers feel welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute their talents and skills.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s4p213, Alternate LINK

Title: Ethnoconfessional Factor In Social Adaptation Of Migrant Workers In The Muslim Regions Of Russia

Subject: General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences

Publisher: Richtmann Publishing

Authors: Ildar Mahmudovich Gabdrafikov, Lyailya Gelsovna Khusnutdinova, Irina Sovetovna Karabulatova, Khanif Salimovich Vildanov

Published: 2015-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does religion specifically help migrant workers adapt to a new society like Russia?

Religion aids migrant workers' adaptation through several key mechanisms. A strong religious identity provides a foundation for building community and social networks. Religious institutions, particularly mosques, offer crucial support networks, assisting with accommodation, employment, and legal issues. Furthermore, religious practices help in cultural preservation, allowing migrants to maintain ties to their heritage, which reduces feelings of isolation. Participation in religious activities also fosters social integration by creating spaces for interaction with both co-nationals and local community members.

What role do religious institutions play in supporting Muslim migrant workers in Russia, according to research?

Research indicates that religious institutions, especially mosques, are vital in supporting Muslim migrant workers in Russia. These institutions provide essential support networks that offer spiritual guidance, practical assistance with accommodation and employment, and even legal aid. These networks foster a sense of community and belonging, helping migrants navigate the challenges of adapting to a new environment. The ethnoconfessional support from religious institutions eases the transition process significantly.

What are the potential challenges related to religious practices that migrant workers might face in Russia?

Migrant workers might face challenges related to religious practices, including potential discontent with local religious practices. Some migrants may seek alternative forms of worship or community due to differences in religious customs or interpretations. This highlights the importance of religious diversity and the need for inclusive religious spaces that accommodate a wide range of beliefs and practices. The success of migrant integration depends on ensuring that religious environments are welcoming and cater to the diverse needs of all individuals.

How does religious identity help migrant workers maintain their cultural traditions in a new country?

Religious identity facilitates the preservation of cultural traditions by providing opportunities for migrants to maintain ties to their cultural heritage. Religious holidays and ceremonies serve as important cultural markers, enabling migrants to celebrate and practice their traditions in a new environment. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and cultural displacement, fostering a sense of continuity and connection to their homeland. The ethnoconfessional link through religious practices reinforces their cultural identity and provides a sense of stability.

What are the implications of recognizing the role of religion in migrant integration for policymakers and community leaders?

Recognizing the crucial role of religion in the lives of migrant workers can inform the development of more effective integration strategies. Policymakers and community leaders can foster inclusive religious spaces, promote intercultural dialogue, and support community-based initiatives that address the diverse needs of migrant populations. By creating environments where migrant workers feel welcome, valued, and empowered, societies can leverage their talents and skills, leading to more successful and harmonious integration. This understanding is crucial for building inclusive and cohesive communities.