Social work with Muslim migrants in Russia: Public opinion issues and practical perspectives

The article outlines some key issues related to social work with Muslim migrants in Russia. After literature review the article focuses on demographic, sociocultural, and political context affecting Muslim migrants in Russia. Then attention turns to the current system of social work with migrants in Russia; there is lack of social services to migrants and social work practice ignores cultural and religious differences. In the next part the results of the telephone survey are presented and the attitude of the residents of St. Petersburg to Muslim migrants and the social services for Muslim migrants are discussed. The findings supported the hypotheses, suggesting that in spite of the tolerant attitude of the residents of St. Petersburg, the development of social services for Muslim migrants is not largely supported.