Afghanistan, March 29 -- A Russian lawmaker has criticized plans to recruit Afghan workers, exposing divisions in Moscow's approach toward Afghanistan and migrant labor shortages.
A Russian lawmaker has publicly opposed the idea of recruiting workers from Afghanistan, calling it a "big mistake" and claiming Afghan migrants could pose a threat to Russia's national security.
Mikhail Matveyev, deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma's Committee on Regional Policy, made the remarks in comments to Russian outlet Gazeta, where he argued against the possible entry of Afghan laborers into Russia. He also made sweeping and controversial claims about Afghan migrants, including allegations about crime and security risks.
His comments come after Z...