• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00197 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09154 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
11 February 2025

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 181

From Hero to Exile: Kyrgyz Rescuer Sultan Abdumalikov Deported from Russia

Sultan Abdumalikov, a Kyrgyz citizen hailed for his bravery during a fire in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has been deported due to issues with his documentation. Abdumalikov gained attention on November 18 for rescuing patients and staff during a fire at Polyclinic No. 2, where he risked his own life to evacuate victims from the burning building. He suffered from smoke inhalation during the incident, which also brought him to the notice of law enforcement. A subsequent document check revealed that Abdumalikov lacked the required labor contract to legally remain in Russia. While police officers praised his heroism, a decision was made to deport him. Abdumalikov had hoped to resolve his legal issues and remain in the country but was ultimately unsuccessful. Upon his return to Kyrgyzstan, Abdumalikov faced significant challenges. Blacklisted for violating Russian immigration laws, he has been unable to secure stable employment. Providing for his family, including four children, has become increasingly difficult.

Russian MP Blames Central Asians for Ruble Depreciation

Mikhail Matveyev, a member of Russia’s State Duma, has attributed the depreciation of the Russian ruble in part to remittances by labor migrants from Central Asia and the Caucasus. In a statement on his Telegram channel, Matveyev argued that millions of migrants working in Russia transfer their earnings abroad, removing significant sums from the Russian economy. According to him, these remittances fuel demand for foreign currencies, such as the dollar, thereby weakening the ruble. Citing statistics, Matveyev claimed that in 2023, labor migrants sent $5.7 billion from Russia to Tajikistan - nearly half of Tajikistan’s GDP. Kyrgyzstan received remittances equal to about one-third of its GDP, while Uzbekistan received over $14.5 billion, accounting for 12-15% of its GDP. Other significant recipients included Georgia (over $2 billion), Armenia (over $3 billion), and Kazakhstan. Matveyev also criticized some of these countries for their stance on Western sanctions against Russia. He noted that several countries in the Eurasia region have joined sanctions targeting Russian banks and refuse to process transactions using the Russian Mir payment system. This, he said, forces migrants to withdraw cash dollars from Russia to transfer home, exacerbating the pressure on the ruble exchange rate. The MP’s remarks came amid a sharp drop in the ruble’s value against the dollar last week. For more than 30 years, millions of Central Asian citizens have migrated to Russia for work. However, recent trends indicate an increase in return migration, driven by Russia’s deteriorating economic conditions, stricter immigration rules, worsening attitudes toward Central Asian workers, and attempts by Russian authorities to recruit immigrants - both with and without Russian citizenship - for military service in Ukraine.

Kyrgyzstan Criticizes Russia’s Approach to Migration

Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, voiced frustration over Russia’s approach to labor migration during an interview with Russian media. He criticized Moscow for failing to fully honor the principle of free movement of labor within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Kyrgyzstan is a member. “Free movement of labor resources is one of the principles of the Eurasian Economic Union. Our fundamental documents state that we have access to the labor market on the same basis as citizens of any member state. Thousands of Russians work for us on the same terms as Kyrgyz,” Baisalov stated. Despite these agreements, he claimed that Kyrgyz workers often face restrictions and criticisms in Russia akin to those applied to migrants from non-EAEU countries. “People, including seasonal workers, may stay for weeks or months. Some have relocated to Russia with their families and work as doctors, teachers, scientists, and professors. Our migrants significantly contribute to various sectors of Russia’s modern economy, particularly in the service industry—hotels, cafes, and more. Every penny earned by Kyrgyz migrants in the Russian Federation comes at the cost of incredible effort,” he said. Baisalov highlighted that these challenges are prompting Kyrgyz labor migrants to seek opportunities in other nations, such as South Korea, Japan, the UAE, Turkey, and EU countries. “Tens of thousands of our women have found their calling in Italy, where elderly care is in high demand. It turns out there’s no better choice than our caregivers and nannies. We even opened an embassy in Italy because nearly 30,000 Kyrgyz citizens reside in Naples and on the island of Sardinia,” he explained. In light of these trends, the Kyrgyz government has pledged to create 250,000 new jobs within the country in the coming year. A campaign is also underway to encourage citizens working abroad to return home.

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan has reported that 71,949 Kyrgyz citizens working in Russia are at risk due to potential violations of Russian migration laws. According to the ministry, the individuals at risk are those for whom the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ database lacks information regarding the conclusion of labor or civil law contracts, fingerprint registration, medical examinations, or migration registration. “For citizens with valid documents confirming legal residence in the Russian Federation, it is necessary to visit the territorial migration departments of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and provide these documents to be included in the database and removed from the risk zone,” the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry explained. To assist its citizens, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan will soon publish a list of migrants at risk on the portal migrant.kg. Citizens can use this portal to check their status and take steps to resolve any legal issues in advance. From February 5, 2025, a new Russian law, “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation,” will come into force. Under this law, foreign citizens without legal grounds for staying in Russia will be added to the register of controlled persons and face expulsion. Official data indicates that around 500,000 Kyrgyz migrants currently reside in Russia, though unofficial estimates suggest the figure exceeds one million.

Kyrgyzstan Offers Digital Nomad Status to Foreign Specialists

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has signed legislative amendments introducing the status of Digital Nomad for foreign citizens working in information and communication technologies (ICT), software development, creative industries, and related areas. Digital Nomads are exempt from mandatory registration at their place of domicile in Kyrgyzstan, can obtain a personal identification number (PIN), do not need to obtain permits for work, enjoy the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity as an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity, and are allowed to open bank accounts. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, which spearheaded the amendments, this initiative aims to create favorable conditions for attracting digital nomads to Kyrgyzstan. It is expected to contribute to the development of innovative projects, the growth of high-tech industries, increased tax revenues, job creation, and tourism development. In neighboring Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that as of November 18, 2024, the country has enacted updated visa regulations to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Kazakhstan is introducing a Digital Nomad Visa, a single-entry electronic or multiple-entry paper visa for IT specialists, allowing long-term residence. Additionally, the Neo Nomad Visa offers extended stays to “neo-nomads” who have a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa must provide health insurance and proof of a clean criminal record.

Solidarity Center: Central Asian Migrant Workers Face Low Pay and Unsafe Workplaces

Central Asian migrant workers face new challenges as they look for well-paying jobs, with economic shifts and political instability adding to the uncertainty. More women and young people also choose to migrate, often facing unique risks. Panelists at a recent Solidarity Center webinar highlighted that protecting these workers’ rights is more effective when countries in the region work together on safe migration plans. A Solidarity Center study involving over 1,000 migrant workers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan found that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are the primary countries of origin, while Kazakhstan is becoming a growing destination. Most participants (58%) left due to low wages in their home countries, and 31% cited a lack of jobs as their main reason for migrating. Russia, once a top destination for Central Asian workers, has seen a drop in migrant numbers since its economy took a hit following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A migrant worker from Uzbekistan shared that overtime hours weren’t paid, and medical expenses had to come out of his pocket if he got sick. According to Lola Abdukadyrova, Solidarity Center's regional director in Kyrgyzstan, this story reflects the harsh conditions many migrant workers face—no overtime pay, no sick leave, and frequent discrimination or harassment. Abdukadyrova noted that for nearly 30% of Kyrgyz migrant households, money for food is often a struggle. In Uzbekistan, this rate rises to 45%, as shared by Nodira Karimova, director of the Republican Social Information Center Istiqbolli Avlod. Abdukadyrova added that many migrants earn only enough for basic food, and they face delayed payments, heavier workloads without extra pay, and unsafe working conditions. “Kazakhstan has endorsed the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and participates in various regional migration dialogues,” said Aleksandr Mukha, director of the Mangistau Regional Branch of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. In another significant win for migrant worker rights organizations, Kyrgyzstan issued the GCM in August to improve conditions for Kyrgyz citizens who travel abroad to earn their livelihoods. The Times of Central Asia has previously written about how that Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine has increased pressure on Central Asian migrants.