The global technology sector is going through a turbulent phase, with layoffs continuing across major firms and fresh hiring slowing sharply. As professionals struggle to stay afloat, many are being forced to rethink career choices simply to make ends meet. In Russia, this has led to an unexpected sight—several Indians, including former tech professionals, taking up manual jobs.
One such case is that of Mukesh Mandal, a 26-year-old software engineer from India who is now working as a street cleaner in St. Petersburg. Despite the drastic shift in profession, Mandal is earning close to Rs 1 lakh a month.
According to a report by Russian news outlet Fontanka, Mandal is part of a group of 17 Indian migrants currently employed in street cleaning work across the city. Back in India, Mandal reportedly worked as a software developer. While his exact employment history has not been independently verified, he told the publication that he has experience working with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence systems, chatbots and GPT-based platforms.
“I’ve mostly worked in companies like Microsoft and used new tools such as AI, chatbots and GPT. I am essentially a developer,” Mandal told Fontanka.
The report said Mandal arrived in St. Petersburg around four months ago along with 16 other Indian nationals as part of a pilot initiative aimed at addressing a shortage of manual labour in the city. The group has been hired by Kolomyazhskoye, a municipal road maintenance company responsible for cleaning and upkeep across several districts.
Company officials told the outlet that the workers were recruited on short-term contracts and were provided full assistance to help them settle in the city.
Earning over Rs 1 lakh a month
The employer has reportedly arranged accommodation, meals, protective gear and daily transport to work sites for the Indian workers. Care has also been taken to respect dietary preferences, with food options that avoid beef.
In return, the workers are paid around 100,000 rubles a month—roughly Rs 1 to 1.1 lakh.
Those working under the scheme come from varied professional backgrounds. Some were farmers, drivers and small business owners, while others had experience as architects, technicians and event organisers. All of them, including Mandal, said they took up the work voluntarily.
“For an Indian, no work is small. Work is worship,” Mandal said. “You can work anywhere—on the street or elsewhere. What matters is doing your duty well.”
Mandal described his decision as a practical one driven by circumstances. “I plan to stay in Russia for a year, earn some money and then return to India,” he said.