New Delhi, Dec. 21 -- A group of Indian migrants has taken up street-cleaning work in Russia as the country grapples with a severe labour shortage. Among the 17 Indians who arrived in Russia about four months ago is Mukesh Mandal, a 26-year-old who says he previously worked as a software developer.

Mandal recently spoke to Russian media outlet Fontanka about his current job as a street cleaner in St. Petersburg. For the past several weeks, he and the other Indian workers have been cleaning city roads under the employment of Kolomyazhskoye, a road maintenance company.

Kolomyazhskoye facilitated the arrival of all 17 workers from India and also covers their food and accommodation. Each worker reportedly earns close to 100,000 rubles, whic...