migrants rights - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 17

Uzbekistan and Russia Hold First Meeting on Labor Migration and Migrant Rights

On April 29, an interagency delegation from Uzbekistan visited Moscow for the inaugural session of the Uzbekistan–Russia working group on labor migration and migrant rights. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan reported that the delegation was led by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prosecutor General Shohrukh Aminov. The Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Prosecutor General Pyotr Gorodov and included representatives from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Federal Security Service, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs. Uzbekistan’s delegation comprised officials from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the State Security Service, the Migration Agency, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Health. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current state of labor migration, identified ongoing challenges, and explored potential solutions. They agreed to develop joint measures to regulate legal migration while balancing the interests of both countries. The delegations also agreed to strengthen oversight of the rights of Uzbek citizens working in Russia and Russian citizens visiting Uzbekistan. Both countries’ Prosecutor General’s Offices pledged to closely monitor the protection of migrant rights. At the conclusion of the meeting, a protocol was signed outlining the decisions made. The implementation of these agreements will be jointly monitored by both Prosecutor General’s Offices. The session followed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Uzbekistan, during which he stressed the importance of migrants understanding Russian laws and language. While warning of an increase in migrant-related crime, he also acknowledged Russia’s ongoing need for foreign labor.

Migrants migrants rights investigation Nationalism

Ultra-Nationalist Russian Lawmaker Sets Sights on Uzbek Community Leader

A senior Russian lawmaker has called on prosecutors to investigate Bahrom Ismailov, the former head of the Uzbek National and Cultural Autonomy Council in Moscow. Leonid Slutsky, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), said he will formally request an inquiry into Ismailov’s past activities and the process by which he acquired Russian citizenship. An ultra-nationalist, Slutsky has previously led anti-migrant rhetoric, including calls for a "Migrant Code", and a bill designed to restrict the right of migrant workers to bring their families into the country. This time, Slutsky's demand follows an interview in which Ismailov reportedly stated, “Uzbeks want to settle in Russia,” and referred to an ongoing cultural “expansion,” citing the spread of Uzbek teahouses, traditional cuisine, and the presence of large Uzbek families across the country. Slutsky accused Ismailov, who is ethnically Uzbek and now a Russian citizen, of promoting illegal migration and questioned his loyalty. “He got our citizenship, but his heart seems to be in another country,” Slutsky said. “We will check everything from how he entered Russia and legalized his stay, to how he received his education, built his business, and interacted with the Uzbek diaspora.” While describing Ismailov’s remarks as naive, Slutsky argued they raise legitimate concerns about unchecked migration and its perception among the Russian public. He also alleged that Ismailov had previously pledged to facilitate the entry of more Uzbek nationals into Russia by assisting with documentation, housing, and access to social benefits. The comments come amid heightened scrutiny of migration policy in Russia, particularly following recent security incidents and increasing nationalist sentiment. The LDPR has long advocated for stricter controls on migration and closer monitoring of ethnic and cultural organizations. Ismailov has yet to publicly responded to the allegations or the calls for investigation.

legalization Tajik migrants migrants rights Tajikistan Russia

Tajik Authorities Urge Migrants in Russia to Legalize Status Ahead of April 30 Deadline Amid New Immigration Rules

Tajik authorities are urging citizens working in Russia to legalize their status before the April 30 deadline, as new Russian immigration regulations come into force. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan has reminded labor migrants to update their documents to remain employed legally. “Foreign citizens in the Russian Federation who are not registered at their place of residence, do not possess a valid work patent, or have failed to make monthly payments, as well as those listed in the register of controlled persons, can legalize their documents without leaving Russia,” the ministry stated. Starting June 30, Russia will implement a digital profile system for migrants. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that the new system will replace the current paper-based work patent with a digital profile containing a unique identifier. Authorities say this transition is aimed at improving administrative efficiency and reducing fraud. “To ensure a smooth transition, all necessary preparations are being made,” Mishustin said. In addition to the digital transition, Russia began testing a new border control system in December 2024. Migrants entering via Moscow airports are now required to submit biometric data, enabling authorities to track entries and identify individuals banned from entering the country. In February 2025, Russian authorities activated a national register of controlled persons. The list includes over 640,000 foreign nationals residing in Russia without proper documentation. Those listed must legalize their stay by April 30 or face potential deportation. The new rules also affect migrant families. Since February, children of migrants must pass a Russian language proficiency test. If they fail, they are required to attend a three-month language course at their parents’ expense. Noncompliance may trigger investigations into the family’s living conditions and result in penalties.

migrants rights money tranfer Migrants Legislation Migration Banking Russia

Are Registry Errors Behind Migrants’ Bank Account Freezes in Russia?

Dozens of migrants in Russia have complained that they were wrongfully included in the newly launched Register of Controlled Persons, leading to blocked bank accounts, detentions at the border, and job dismissals, according to human rights activist Valentina Chupik. During the first two days of the registry's operation, 31 people sought Chupik's assistance: 13 were citizens of Kyrgyzstan, eight from Tajikistan, seven from Uzbekistan, and one each from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. Among them were three holders of Russian residence permits and one with a temporary residence permit. All claim they were added to the list without justification. The majority - 17 people - discovered their inclusion in the register through blocked bank accounts, with 12 of them clients of T-Bank. Four were notified by police following their detention, another four were denied entry at the Russian border, and one individual lost their job. Interviews with those affected revealed no valid reasons for their inclusion in the registry, except for four cases where there might have been formal grounds for entry bans. However, none of these migrants had received prior notification. In addition, five had previously faced unlawful restrictions: three were expelled, one was stripped of a residence permit, and another was banned from entry - though all these decisions were later overturned. Chupik advised migrants to withdraw their money from Russian banks immediately, warning that indiscriminate entries into the registry put their finances at risk. “Since they enter the register indiscriminately, I advise you to withdraw all your funds and send them home, leaving only the necessary minimum,” she said. Baza, a Telegram channel linked to Russian law enforcement agencies, also reported the mass blocking of hundreds of foreign nationals' accounts. Additionally, human rights activist Alexander Kim stated that refusals to provide state services, including migration registration, have become increasingly common. The Register of Controlled Persons was launched in summer 2024 following the adoption of a law on the expulsion of foreign citizens. The move came amid an anti-migrant crackdown that intensified after the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. Foreign nationals included in the register face deportation and lose the right to register businesses and property in Russia.

Afghanistan migrants rights Migrants United Nations Migration Human rights Refugees

UNHCR Again Urges Tajikistan to Stop Deporting Afghan Refugees

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called on Tajikistan to immediately halt the deportation of Afghan refugees, following reports that dozens were forcibly returned to Afghanistan last month. According to UNHCR, at least 80 Afghan refugees were deported from Tajikistan in December 2024, despite many holding valid refugee documents. The agency warned that such actions violate international protection standards and could put deportees at risk. By the end of 2024, around 9,000 Afghan refugees were residing in Tajikistan. UNHCR has expressed concern that further deportations could endanger many more lives. Regional Context and Increasing Deportations Tajikistan is not the only country tightening its stance on Afghan refugees. Iran and Pakistan have also intensified deportations in recent months. Reports indicate that Iran has expelled 586,000 undocumented Afghans since the start of the current solar year. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation stated that nearly 12,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey in the past three weeks. The rise in deportations has added pressure on Afghan refugees, many of whom are already struggling due to Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis. UNHCR has reiterated its appeal for international cooperation, urging host countries to balance national security concerns with humanitarian obligations. Previously, Mosawer Bahadori, head of Afghanistan’s Migration Committee (Aryana) in Tajikistan, urged Tajik authorities to respect refugee rights and uphold their international commitments in protecting displaced Afghans.

Tajik-Afghan Border migrants rights Migrants Legislation Migration Afghanistan

Afghan Migration Committee Urges Tajikistan to Halt Refugee Deportations

Mosawer Bahadori, head of Afghanistan’s Migration Committee (Aryana) in Tajikistan, has raised concern over the deportation of Afghan migrants from Tajikistan, urging the authorities to safeguard refugee rights and adhere to international obligations. Concerns Over Deportations In a recent statement, Bahadori expressed condolences to the Afghan families affected by the deportations and emphasized the committee’s commitment to supporting Afghan migrants. He noted that the deportation process, ongoing for over a week, has caused widespread concern among the refugee population. Advocacy for Refugee Rights The Afghan Migration Committee, which has operated in Tajikistan for more than 27 years, serves as an intermediary between Afghan refugees and local authorities. Functioning under the legislative framework of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Justice, the committee addresses migrant concerns and facilitates dialogue with state institutions. Bahadori urged Tajikistan to honor its international obligations, particularly by acceding to United Nations conventions that prohibit deporting refugees to countries where they face threats to their lives. Many Afghan refugees in Tajikistan fled Taliban persecution and have been granted asylum or refugee status. Proposals for Alternative Solutions Bahadori proposed alternative approaches to deportation, including: Negotiating with international organizations or third countries to facilitate the transfer of Afghan refugees. Simplifying the relocation process to make resettlement more accessible. Introducing fines or imprisonment as penalties for offenses, rather than deporting individuals to unsafe conditions. The Afghan Migration Committee also assured Tajik authorities that Afghan refugees would continue to respect local laws and customs. The committee pledged to cooperate with Tajik security forces to address repeated illegal activities by individuals through lawful measures. Call for Diplomatic Solutions Bahadori concluded his statement by advocating diplomatic solutions to protect vulnerable Afghan migrants while maintaining strong relations between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to uphold human rights and ensure the safety of refugees.