Roy Jude, a Ghanaian currently residing in Krasnodar, Russia, has been living there for the past ten years. According to him, the weather in Krasnodar is similar to that of Ghana.
Ten years ago, Roy was living in Takoradi, Ghana, where he completed his secondary education. He then moved to Asante Bekwai, where he was employed for nearly a decade in construction and building planning. Later, he ventured into small-scale mining (galamsey). Some of his family members are in Belgium, and he had previously attempted to travel there but failed.
One day, an agent in Holland introduced him to a connection in Russia, assuring him that no interviews would be required. After paying the necessary fees, he traveled to Russia. At the time, Roy knew very little about Russia—his only goal was to travel abroad.
Upon arrival, he met a fellow Ghanaian who accommodated him. He initially faced numerous challenges, as they did not know anyone in the country. Their contact person in Russia had advised them not to return home, saying they had already spent too much money.
Despite the challenges, Roy found work. Although the job was difficult and poorly paid, he and his group remained committed. Over time, he learned construction skills, which he believes will help him when he returns to Ghana. He also picked up the Russian language while working on construction sites, though he admits it was challenging to learn.
According to Roy, life in Russia is financially better than in Ghana. For example, 3,000 rubles is equivalent to about 500 Ghanaian cedis, and they can earn that amount in a day. Those who work more at construction sites can earn even more. However, if an employer pays less than 3,000 rubles per day, they are considered dishonest.
Rent is paid monthly, and if one fails to pay, they will be evicted. Russians generally do not use the word “please” in conversations, as it can be seen as a sign of weakness or an attempt to deceive someone.
Roy warns that getting a work visa in Russia is difficult. Some agents falsely claim that it is easy to obtain, but in reality, only students who complete their education in Russia have a chance at legal residency. He also clarifies that although some people believe they can travel to other European countries from Russia, that is not the case—attempting to do so without proper documentation can lead to arrest and deportation.
Roy describes racism and discrimination in Russia. Africans are often asked ignorant questions, such as whether they have electricity or eat crocodiles in their home countries. He warns that some people might react angrily to such comments, which could lead to trouble.
He notes that Ghanaian women struggle to find jobs in Russia, though there have been efforts to create employment opportunities for them after the war. Most Africans in Russia either work in construction or are students, particularly in medical fields. Nigerian immigrants outnumber Ghanaians in Russia.
Many immigrants have joined the Russian army, with some fighting in wars. However, Roy has no interest in military service. He plans to return to Ghana soon and start a business. He emphasizes that life abroad is not as easy as people assume, and he advises against traveling to Russia without a concrete plan.
Roy expresses his desire to return home and never come back to Russia. He wants to ensure that when he returns, he will not have to rely on others for financial support.
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