Annotation

The present paper analyzes the labor shortage of 2021–2024 in Russia and the legal mechanisms for the short-term attraction of foreign labor. In 2024, the labor shortage in Russia amounted to 2.2 million people. The industries most vulnerable to the shortage are construction, transport, and trade. The article examines the existing employment regimes in Russia (visa/work permit, patent system, special regimes) and the practice of organized recruitment. Based on the analysis of similar institutions in foreign countries, solutions are proposed: the introduction of a seasonal migration scheme in Russia, the development of organized recruitment with pre-departure training and a risk-based assessment of employer applications, as well as employer liability insurance. The research results are intended for government authorities to improve regulation and reduce the personnel shortage.