Migration - The Times Of Central Asia

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Migration

Killing of Russian General Kirillov: Arrest of Uzbek Suspect Raises Fears Among Central Asians

In the early hours of Tuesday, December 17, an explosion occurred at the entrance of an apartment building in a modest Moscow district, killing two people: Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant. Kirillov was the head of the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense (RCBD) troops of the Russian Armed Forces. A briefing by him had reportedly been scheduled for later that day. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a suspect: a 1995-born citizen of Uzbekistan. According to the FSB, the suspect was identified and detained through joint operations with Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Investigative Committee. According to investigators, the explosive device had been attached to an electric scooter parked near the building's entrance. Surveillance was allegedly conducted via a video camera placed inside a carshare vehicle parked nearby for several days. While the Ukrainian side has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, some sources linked to Ukraine’s Security Service have reportedly done so. Russian officials quickly blamed Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “The Kiev regime does not shy away from such methods,” without providing evidence. Soon after, Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko claimed that the suspect had confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services, who allegedly promised him an EU passport and $100,000. However, a video of the confession released by the FSB raises doubts. The suspect, who appears to struggle with Russian, delivers statements that suggest he may not fully understand what he is saying. While the confession's credibility is unclear, the nationality of the suspect - another migrant from Central Asia - is what resonates most in the short term. The incident follows a previous terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, after which migrants from Central Asia faced intensified scrutiny. Over the past six months, many Central Asian workers living in Russia have felt treated not as second-class but as third-class citizens. Document checks, lengthy detentions, and increasingly restrictive rules for entry and residency in Russia have become commonplace. In August, Russia’s Interior Ministry reported that almost 92,800 foreign citizens were expelled in the first half of 2024 - a 53.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. In response to the attack, nationalist groups and patriotic public figures are once again urging the Russian government to introduce a visa regime for Central Asian countries, particularly Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Similar measures have been observed in Turkey after the Crocus incident involving Tajik citizens, and in the UAE following a high-profile crime involving Uzbek nationals. It is highly likely that anti-migrant sentiment in Russia will intensify in the coming months. Coupled with increased security operations, this trend could escalate into new forms of repression targeting migrants. Such measures are likely to strain Russia's relations with Central Asian republics, where the treatment of migrant workers remains a sensitive issue.

Migration

Uzbek Deputy Proposes Introducing Visa Regime With Russia

Russian politician Leonid Slutsky has proposed establishing a comprehensive set of mandatory rules for foreign workers in Russia, called the “Migrant Code.” Developed in coordination with diasporas and law enforcement agencies, the code outlines guidelines for migrants seeking legal employment in Russia. According to Slutsky, the Migrant Code will require foreign workers to learn Russian and ensure their families also acquire language skills if residing in Russia. Migrants, he says, must respect Russian culture and traditions, adhere to public behavior standards, obtain official employment, and pay taxes. Additional requirements include securing insurance against deportation or expulsion, undergoing fingerprinting, genomic registration, and mental health testing. In response, Alisher Qodirov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Milli Tiklanish (National Revival) party, suggested introducing a visa regime with Russia to address potential instability and a rise in migration flows. Qodirov underscored the importance of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries implementing stricter entry and exit controls to Russia, alongside enhanced requirements for job seekers. He emphasized the need for migrants to respect their host country’s language, culture, and laws while reaffirming the significance of national values. He further stated that educating Uzbek workers on their rights and responsibilities would help mitigate social, political, and economic challenges for Uzbekistan. It would also protect citizens from exploitation and discrimination abroad, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its people.

Migration

Young Uzbek Men Dominate Russia’s Migrant Workforce in 2024

A recent analysis by the "Migrant Service" platform has outlined the profile of the average migrant worker in Russia for 2024. According to the study, the typical migrant is a 28-year-old married man from Uzbekistan, residing in or near Moscow. The survey, which included approximately 63,000 participants, revealed key demographic trends among migrant workers in Russia. Most respondents identified as Muslim men aged 28, though the age range spanned from 18 to 37 years. Uzbekistan Leads Migration Statistics The majority of migrant workers in Russia come from Uzbekistan, accounting for 55.4% of the total. Tajikistan follows with 39.89%, while Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan collectively contribute 4.82% of the migrant population. “For migrants, family and children are the highest priorities,” the analysts noted. This focus is reflected in remittance patterns: 67% of respondents send money to their families once a quarter, and 41% remit more than 50% of their income. Growing Demand for Migrant Labor The survey also highlights the increasing reliance on Central Asian migrants to address labor shortages in Russia. This trend, as previously reported by the Times of Central Asia, has been exacerbated by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which has intensified the demand for additional workers.

Migration

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.

Migration

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.

Migration

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.