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Migrants

Russia Responds to Uzbekistan’s Concerns Over Police Treatment of Migrants

The Russian government has acknowledged Uzbekistan's concerns regarding recent police actions targeting Uzbek nationals and is currently reviewing the matter, according to a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, as reported by state news agency TASS. Zakharova confirmed that the Russian Foreign Ministry had received a formal diplomatic note from the Uzbek Embassy in Moscow, requesting explanations over reports of mistreatment during recent police operations. She said the contents of the note are being examined thoroughly and have been forwarded to the appropriate Russian authorities. “We are studying the content of the note with full attention,” Zakharova said. “We maintain direct communication with our Uzbek partners, including through law enforcement channels. We are allies, and all such signals are taken seriously.” Zakharova stated that Russia would provide Uzbekistan with verified and objective information following internal investigations. She also reaffirmed the strategic importance of bilateral ties. “Uzbekistan is our ally and strategic partner. We approach all issues in our bilateral relations with this in mind,” she said. Tensions Over Police Conduct The diplomatic exchange follows a statement earlier this week by Uzbek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov, who expressed concern over the reported mistreatment of Uzbek citizens during recent police raids in Russia. In response, the Uzbek Embassy submitted a diplomatic note formally seeking clarification and legal assessment of the incidents. The most prominent of these occurred on June 8 in the Strogino district of Moscow, where Russian law enforcement reportedly raided a dormitory housing migrants, including Uzbek nationals. Videos circulated by Russian media showed officers using force, with reports of beatings and verbal abuse. A similar incident was reported in St. Petersburg. Uzbek officials emphasized that such conduct contradicts the “close and friendly” nature of Uzbek-Russian relations and called for a transparent review of law enforcement actions. Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency stated that it is closely monitoring the situation. It confirmed that a small number of Uzbek citizens were detained due to documentation issues and are currently undergoing further checks.

Migrants

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.

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.

migrants rights

Tajik Authorities Urge Migrants in Russia to Legalize Status Ahead of Deadline

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.

Migration

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.

Human rights

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.