Throughout the world, the construction industry has the potential to generate much needed employment and to contribute to economic development. Despite this, the industry has to struggle with a poor image, due to the construction of low quality buildings as well as the particular nature of the work, which is often difficult and dangerous. Flexible labour practices have increased due to outsourcing practices that are now the norm in most countries. The Russian construction industry has seen a significant growth after the financial crisis in 1998. Most of the construction companies are now private, employing around 5 million workers. A significant number are migrant workers, among them many without a legal residence or a work permit. They are particularly vulnerable to labour exploitation and coercive labour practices. More information about human trafficking on the website of ILO.