Migrants in the urban transport system: a sociological analysis of taxi labor

Relevance. The article is devoted to the sociological analysis of migrant labor in the urban transport system, using the taxicab sector as a case study. The scientific problem lies in the insufficient study of the specifics of migrant drivers’ employment in the context of a segmented labor market, where they are often concentrated in relatively low-status and less socially protected segments, facing institutional and cultural barriers. The purpose of the study is to analyze the perception and evaluation of migrant drivers by rep­resentatives of regulatory bodies, to identify the key challenges of their adaptation, and to determine the potential for developing effective regulatory and adaptive practices.

Materials and Methods. The empirical basis of the study is built on pilot in-depth interviews with officers of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD) in the Belgorod and Moscow regions, who directly interact with migrant taxi drivers. The use of a semi-structured interview format made it possible to capture not only the formalized aspects of interaction but also the nuances of everyday professional practice that are not reflected in official documentation.

Results. The thematic analysis of interviews revealed the heterogeneity of the migrant group in terms of professional competence, motivation, and adaptation, as well as identified institutional and language bar­riers hindering their full integration into the city’s transport system. Positive examples of integration were also recorded, associated with high customer ratings and the establishment of trust-based relationships with regulatory authorities.

Conclusion. The analysis of expert evaluations revealed their complex nature, combining formal and subjective, critical and positive elements. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of us­ing its results to improve the system of professional access, to develop preventive programs for language and professional training, and to establish balanced measures of control and support. Prospects for further research include expanding the sample, incorporating passengers’ and employers’ opinions into the socio­logical analysis, and comparing the situation across different regions.

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