In a compelling interview held at the Garden Court Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thepressradio.com had the opportunity to engage with Ekaterina Lommas, the Leading Specialist of the Media Relations Department at Alabuga a prominent Russian Special Economic Zone (SEZ) known for its industrial prowess and international outreach programs.
The interview was conducted during a conference hosted by Alabuga aimed at enlightening the public and stakeholders on their operations, values, and recruitment processes. Alabuga, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, is widely recognized for being one of the largest and most successful SEZs in the Russian Federation. The company is known not only for its focus on industrial production but also for its unique employment initiatives that have sparked curiosity and debate in equal measure.
A Focus on Young Women: Why Only Females Aged 18–22?
One of the most striking aspects of Alabuga’s current recruitment initiative is its targeted focus on young women aged 18 to 22. When asked by Solomon Ogyem of ThePressRadio.com why the company exclusively recruits within this demographic, Lommas responded candidly.
She explained that the decision is rooted in the belief that younger individuals are more adaptable, especially when it comes to adjusting to new cultures, languages, and culinary preferences. According to her, “Younger people generally adapt more easily to new environments, which is crucial for the success of such international employment programs.”
This approach, while unconventional, is framed by Alabuga as a strategic method to ensure smooth cultural integration and long-term success for their international recruits.
Generous Support Package for Participants
Beyond the unique recruitment criteria, what stands out about the Alabuga program is the comprehensive support package provided to successful applicants. Lommas revealed that Alabuga covers the entire cost of visa processing and round-trip airfare to Russia. In addition to these significant financial commitments, participants also receive monthly accommodation support in the form of a $44 stipend.
The company goes a step further by assisting participants in securing a work permit visa, which is a critical aspect of legal employment in a foreign country. As for remuneration, Lommas stated that the minimum salary for participants starts at over $600 per month — a figure that is competitive when compared to similar opportunities in the region.
To add a cultural dimension to the experience, Alabuga offers its international recruits a free annual tour of Russia. This is part of their broader effort to make the experience enriching not just professionally, but also personally.
Addressing Safety and Controversies
With Russia being in the global spotlight due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, safety concerns are naturally top of mind for potential recruits and their families. In response to questions about participant safety, Lommas was quick to reassure.
She emphasized that Alabuga is situated in the Republic of Tatarstan, a region geographically distant from the conflict zones. “Our region is very safe and far from the Ukraine-Russia border,” she said, reinforcing that the company is committed to providing a secure and peaceful environment for all its workers, especially the international participants.
In addition to safety concerns, the recruitment program has been subject to damaging speculation — most notably, unfounded rumors alleging that the young women recruited are used for purposes other than industrial work, including prostitution. Lommas firmly and unequivocally condemned these rumors, calling them baseless and damaging. She reiterated that the recruitment drive is purely professional and is focused on providing industrial work and international experience to young women who are ready to start their careers on a global stage.
Encouraging Participation from Africa and Beyond
Ekaterina Lommas concluded the interview with a passionate call to action. She encouraged young women between the ages of 18 and 22 to seize this opportunity and join the Alabuga program with confidence. “We want to give young women, especially from Africa, the chance to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and structured environment. This is a life-changing opportunity, and we invite those who are ready to take the leap,” she said.
For many young women, especially in developing regions, opportunities like this are rare. The Alabuga program offers a structured pathway to not just employment but also personal and professional development on an international scale. With all logistical and financial barriers removed — including travel, visa, and accommodation the program presents itself as a viable, safe, and enriching experience for those willing to embrace a new culture and career path.
Final Thoughts
Alabuga’s approach to recruitment and international collaboration may raise eyebrows for its specificity, but the company seems committed to transparency, cultural sensitivity, and worker welfare. Through its initiatives, it continues to build bridges between Russia and other regions, including Africa, while offering young women a transformative platform to begin their professional journeys.
Thepressradio.com will continue to monitor developments around Alabuga and similar programs that seek to make international opportunities accessible and impactful for youth across the globe.
Source: thepressradio.com| Solomon Ogyem
