Features - The Times Of Central Asia

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Migration

Citizens of Central Asia Face New Entry Restrictions To Russia and the U.S.

Citizens of Central Asian countries are encountering a wave of new travel restrictions from two major global powers, Russia and the United States. In recent weeks, Moscow and Washington have both introduced or expanded measures that complicate entry for citizens of the region, raising concerns about migration rights, bilateral relations, and regional security. Russia Tightens Border Rules Starting June 30, 2025, citizens from visa-free countries, including Kazakhstan, will be required to obtain a special QR code to enter Russia. The code must be secured in advance via the Gosuslugi RuID app, at least 72 hours before travel, or four hours in emergency cases. The app is not yet operational, but Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has confirmed its planned launch on the same date. While Russia maintains visa-free arrangements with over 30 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, and all CIS members, these new digital entry requirements apply broadly. Exceptions include citizens of countries already subject to visa regimes, diplomats, and citizens of Belarus, a Union State member. Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, the allowable visa-free stay in Russia for citizens of these countries has been reduced from 90 days per half-year to 90 days per calendar year. Many Kazakhstani travelers fear that the new rules will result in long queues and technical delays at border crossings. More broadly, critics point out that the move undermines the spirit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), whose member states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Russia, are supposed to enjoy facilitated mobility. Response to the Crocus City Hall Attack The changes come in the wake of the March 22, 2024 terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which left at least 145 dead and more than 500 injured. The suspects in the attack were reportedly citizens of Tajikistan, sparking a wave of anti-migrant sentiment in Russia. According to Temur Umarov, a Berlin-based political analyst at the Carnegie Center, Russian authorities are prioritizing security over economic necessity. "Russia is doing everything possible to reduce the number of migrants from Central Asia," he said, noting the vital role these workers play in several Russian industries. Regional Backlash Public figures and officials in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have expressed frustration over Russia’s tightened migration policy. In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest with the Russian ambassador following a widely publicized incident in which Kyrgyz citizens were forcibly removed from a Moscow bathhouse. Member of Parliament Zhana Akayev strongly condemned the treatment of Kyrgyz nationals: “Partners and allies do not behave like this. They are humiliating our citizens,” he said. Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin criticized Russia’s approach as inhumane and called for migration policies that respect mutual interests and fundamental rights. In Uzbekistan, several bloggers have gone further, calling for entry bans on Russian public figures, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, for alleged chauvinistic remarks. Kazakhstan has taken a more measured stance. Aibek Smadiyarov, a spokesman for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, emphasized that the QR code system does not constitute a...

Israel-Iran Escalation

Israel Strikes Mashhad, an Iranian City Near Turkmenistan and a Hub for Central Asia Trade

Mashhad, a northeastern Iranian city near the border with Turkmenistan and a significant hub for trade with Central Asia, is among the targets hit by the Israeli military in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. The Israeli military said a strike on Mashhad’s airport on Sunday was the furthest since it launched airstrikes on Iran, including nuclear facilities, on June 13 and Iran promptly retaliated. The attack on the city highlights the potential fallout for some countries in Central Asia that do business with Iran across the border with Turkmenistan. “The IAF (Israeli Air Force) struck an Iranian refueling aircraft at Mashhad Airport in eastern Iran, approximately 2,300 kilometers from Israel. The IAF is operating to establish aerial superiority over Iranian airspace. This marks the longest-range strike conducted since the beginning of Operation Rising Lion,” the Israeli military said on X. Mashhad, which has a population of up to 3.5 million, is Iran’s second most populous city after the capital Tehran, which has nearly 10 million people. The northeastern city is an Islamic pilgrimage site and is the birth place of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media on Tuesday that “we know exactly” where Ayatollah Khamenei is hiding and that he is an “easy target” even if he is safe for now. Trump has also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” though it was unclear whether his comments meant the U.S. could directly join Israel’s military campaign against Iran. While the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader are not publicly known, Mashhad and other major Iranian cities have been thrown into turmoil by the Israeli attacks. Some people have fled to other towns or places in the countryside that they think might be safer. Flights have been canceled and there are reports of widespread internet disruptions. Mashhad is about 75 kilometers from the nearest point on the border with Turkmenistan, and a driving distance of about 275 kilometers to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital to the northwest. Last month, Iran and Turkmenistan signed an agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion, the Tehran Times reported. The neighbors also agreed to establish joint free trade zones, build up border markets, ready a bilateral gas contract and take other steps to develop economic cooperation. In April, Iran and Turkmenistan agreed to start a cross-border passenger train as a way to strengthen economic ties. The route would link Mashhad with Merv, a city in Turkmenistan. The extent of disruption to these economic plans is unclear as fighting between Israel and Iran continues. Fears of a wider war are circulating and numerous countries, including those in Central Asia, have appealed for an end to hostilities.

Digitalization

The Next Steps for Central Asian Finance: Interview with Azerbaijani Fintech Leader Dr. Fuad Karimov

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration to accelerate the development of the Eurasia region; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Dr. Fuad Karimov, Regional Managing Director of the payment software company Xsolla, about what the CAMCA program means for the Eurasian finance industry, and how Azerbaijan can work more closely with Central Asia. TCA: What condition do you feel fintech spaces are currently in, particularly in the Eurasia region? FK: Fintech [financial technology] across the CAMCA region is accelerating. Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have made significant progress in regulation and adoption. In Azerbaijan, key drivers include state-led digitalization and innovative companies like PashaPay and Birbank, which are transforming consumer payment behavior. Cross-border transfers, mobile banking, and contactless solutions are increasingly common across the region. In what areas do you think CAMCA initiatives can help them improve? CAMCA can create platforms to harmonize financial regulations, facilitate cross-border fintech testing, and promote knowledge exchange. It can also help reduce friction in currency conversion. Regional collaboration can attract investors from the West and Asia. Priorities should include cybersecurity, financial literacy, AI in finance, and coordinated exploration of digital currency pilots like e-Manat, e-Tenge, and e-Soum. You're moderating a session on harnessing fintech in CAMCA markets. What topics do you expect to touch upon, and who are you looking forward to hearing from? We’ll cover the rise of digital national currencies (CBDCs), crypto regulation, exchange rate risk, and the impact of AI on lending, compliance, and fraud prevention. I’m especially looking forward to hearing from fintech leaders in the CAMCA region — each representing diverse policy environments and innovation models. Where do you see opportunities for Central Asia to work more closely with Azerbaijan? There’s strong potential in co-developing cross-border payment systems, digital identity frameworks, and startup accelerators. Azerbaijan can share experience in building public-private fintech partnerships, while Central Asia offers scale and growing demand. Aligning exchange rate mechanisms, regulatory approaches, and education systems will enhance regional integration. The CAMCA platform is an ideal space to turn these synergies into actionable policy and investment opportunities.

China-Central Asia Summit

China Strengthens Partnerships Across Central Asia at Landmark Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Astana on June 16, ahead of the Second China-Central Asia Summit, marked a significant milestone in fostering deeper partnerships between China and Central Asia. With all of the region’s nations in attendance, the summit saw agreements signed across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology, solidifying China’s growing influence in the strategically vital region. According to Kazinform, China and the Central Asian nations are poised to finalize over 35 memorandums collectively valued at more than $17 billion during the second China-Central Asia Business Council meeting in Astana on June 17. A Lavish Welcome and Key Agreements [caption id="attachment_33021" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: Akorda[/caption] Xi Jinping arrived in Astana amid unprecedented pomp and ceremony, including an honor guard, traditional dances, children in national costumes, and an escort of Kazakh Air Force fighter jets. This grand welcome highlighted the importance of the China-Kazakhstan partnership. During talks with Kazakh President Tokayev, the two leaders oversaw agreements spanning areas such as energy, space, agriculture, intellectual property, tourism, healthcare, science, and the digital economy. Tokayev spoke about Kazakhstan’s plans to build several nuclear power plants, including one with the involvement of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Characterizing CNNC as a “reliable strategic partner,” he also emphasized Kazakhstan’s role as a supplier of natural uranium and nuclear fuel to China. “CNNC is known worldwide for its high competence, so it will certainly occupy a worthy niche in our market,” Tokayev stated. Infrastructure development under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also took center stage. Plans to modernize logistics corridors, simplify customs procedures, and build new border facilities were discussed, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a critical transit hub. The bilateral meeting was preceded by joint events, where business leaders from both nations signed dozens of agreements, including a $1 billion loan from the China Development Bank to the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. Another significant agreement saw Kazakhstan partnering with CNNC, Xiamen Wanli Stone, and the Satpayev Institute of Geological Sciences to explore cross-border ore belts and uranium extraction. Kazakhstan’s Role as a Regional Leader Kazakhstan has become central to China’s regional strategy, a focus reinforced during Xi Jinping’s visit, where Tokayev described China as a “close friend and reliable partner.” Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, meanwhile, highlighted the increasing significance of cooperation in agriculture and logistics within the region. “Central Asia is a key region for the development of dryland farming in the world. Currently, the countries of the region are actively promoting and diversifying the export of organic agricultural products to the Chinese market. Camel milk from Kazakhstan, cherries from Uzbekistan, dried fruits from Tajikistan, honey from the Kyrgyz Republic, and cotton from Turkmenistan are increasingly entering the Chinese market and are highly appreciated by consumers,” he stated. Zhumangarin also stressed the critical role of transport infrastructure in facilitating connectivity. At present, over 80% of land transportation between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan. “We are interested in further deepening cooperation within China’s...

Turkic World

Building a Bridge of Tongues: One Uzbek Linguist’s Pursuit of Turkic Unity

For nearly five decades, Uzbek linguist Dr. Bakhtiyor Karimov has worked quietly on an ambitious vision: the creation of a shared, auxiliary language for Turkic-speaking nations. What began as a spark of inspiration on a trolleybus in 1974 became a lifelong intellectual project shaped by history, hardship, and support from prominent regional figures. Karimov’s idea, what he calls the “Averaged Turkic Language”, was born not from political ideology but from a desire to preserve and connect cultures. “If our children cannot access the world’s knowledge in their own tongue, how can they innovate?” he once asked. A Lifelong Vision Conceived in Silence The concept took shape in the shadows of the Soviet Union, where Pan-Turkic ideas were taboo. Karimov and his colleague Shoahmad Mutalov developed their theories discreetly, using mathematical models to explore linguistic convergence. They coined the term “Eesopic” to mask their proposals, likening it to Aesop’s allegories. In 1980, Karimov presented his formulas at a Turkology conference in Tashkent, illustrating affinities among Turkic languages. The room, initially confused by the mathematical display, fell silent when the implications became clear: this was about regional unity through language. The session was cut short. Still, in 1982, their paper was quietly published under the title Language Policy Solutions for Developing Countries, disguised as a study on African and Asian contexts. This allowed Karimov’s ideas to survive Soviet censorship and enter academic circulation. From Perestroika to Independence The late 1980s gave Karimov space to speak more openly. He published theoretical sketches under allegorical titles and refined his proposals, ranging from grammar convergence to script reform. After Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, he carried his vision to Kazakhstan, where he helped establish a Turkology Center and spoke of reviving Chagatai, the classical literary language once shared across Central Asia. Despite early support, funding dried up. At one point, he suffered heart trouble during a meeting and was left unattended in a hospital corridor until a local cultural leader intervened. “I owe my heart to the Averaged Turkic Language,” he later said, reflecting on how the project had shaped every corner of his life. Digital Revival and Regional Interest In recent years, interest in Karimov’s ideas has quietly revived. In 2022, a Kazakh team led by Dr. Miriyev launched OzTurk, a simplified digital prototype that uses linguistic inputs from various Turkic languages to create a common vocabulary. Though limited in scope, the program demonstrated the feasibility of Karimov’s concept. The idea has even reached Turkish media, with headlines celebrating “A Bridge of Tongues for a New Era.” Yet formal institutional backing has remained elusive. Karimov estimates that establishing an Averaged Turkic Language Institute would require just $3 million, $500,000 from each of six Turkic states. “That’s a small price to pay for preserving our languages,” he argues. A Broader Vision Karimov’s ambitions extend beyond the Turkic world. In 1992, he presented a similar proposal for an Averaged Iranian Language, drawing on shared roots among Persian, Dari, Tajik, Pashto, Kurdish, and other languages. His papers were...

Society

Uzbekistan Allows Name Changes Following Official Gender Correction

Uzbekistan has updated its civil status regulations to allow individuals who have officially changed their gender to also change their first name, last name, and patronymic. The change follows a June 12 Cabinet of Ministers decision that amends the country’s procedures for registering personal status documents. According to the Ministry of Justice, the update is part of broader efforts to streamline legal documentation related to marriage, family, and civil status. Under the new rules, citizens aged 18 and older, who do not have minor children, may apply to change their names via the Unified Interactive Services Portal. The ministry clarified that the changes have been misinterpreted online as introducing broad legal provisions for gender transition. In fact, officials stressed, the amendment only affects the process of updating civil records after a gender change has already been made and recognized through medical documentation. Previously, individuals who had changed their gender could correct key documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. However, name changes were restricted and typically permitted only under cultural or national naming exceptions. Under the new rules, a recognized gender transition now constitutes sufficient legal grounds for a name change, provided that a medical statement confirming the change is submitted. The Justice Ministry also noted that each year, approximately five to six children in Uzbekistan are born with indeterminate gender characteristics. In many such cases, gender is assigned based on early medical assessments, though the child's actual gender identity may only become clear years later, sometimes not until adolescence. Officials cited one example involving a child born in 2008 who was initially registered as male. At age 16, medical evaluation confirmed the child was female. While her gender record was corrected in civil documents, existing laws at the time did not allow her to change her name and patronymic accordingly. To address such legal gaps, the government passed Decision No. 362. It ensures that once a medical institution verifies a gender correction, the individual may also update their full name to reflect their gender identity. The regulation is intended to improve consistency across civil documents and prevent identity mismatches for individuals who have undergone gender transition.