On May 4, 2025, the Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Oleg Malginov, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry amidst rising concerns regarding the treatment of Uzbek migrants in Russia. This meeting, which highlighted the increasing reports of rights violations and harsh treatment of labor migrants from Uzbekistan, was a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The Uzbek side emphasized to Ambassador Malginov the urgent need to address these troubling reports, which the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated are violations of the rights and freedoms that should be guaranteed to Uzbek citizens under the laws of the host country. "Such actions are a violation of the rights and freedoms of Uzbek citizens engaged in labor activities in Russia, which should be ensured by the laws of the country of residence," the Uzbek Ministry noted in a press release.
During the discussions, the Russian Foreign Ministry acknowledged these concerns and urged the Uzbek side to relay their apprehensions to the relevant authorities in Russia to ensure that the rights of these migrants are protected. The Ministry also pointed out the necessity for migrants to comply with Russian laws and emphasized the importance of preventing the emergence of criminal tendencies among migrant communities.
In a related context, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry expressed its commitment to ensuring the protection of migrant rights, stating, "We call for a thorough study of the issue and to bring the concerns of the Uzbek side to the attention of the relevant competent authorities of the Russian Federation." This commitment reflects a broader diplomatic effort to safeguard the well-being of Uzbek citizens working abroad.
Additionally, the meeting touched on various aspects of migration policy, including the successful collaboration between Uzbekistan and Russia in facilitating the recruitment of Uzbek laborers. The two nations discussed mechanisms for improving the preliminary language and professional training of migrants, which is crucial for their successful integration into the Russian workforce.
Despite the constructive dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry did not disclose specific incidents that led to these concerns, leaving some ambiguity around the exact nature of the reported violations. However, it is clear that the situation has prompted heightened diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
In a broader context, this meeting follows other recent diplomatic interactions concerning migrant rights. Just a day prior, on May 3, 2025, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador to discuss the detention of Kyrgyz citizens in a Moscow bathhouse. This incident illustrates the growing scrutiny and diplomatic tensions surrounding the treatment of migrants from Central Asia in Russia.
Furthermore, the U.S. recently deported 131 illegal migrants back to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, with reports indicating that the Uzbek authorities fully financed the charter flights for these individuals. This development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Central Asian migrants in navigating complex international laws and the precariousness of their legal status abroad.
As the situation evolves, both Uzbekistan and Russia appear committed to fostering a more cooperative environment concerning migrant labor. The establishment of a bilateral group aimed at streamlining the recruitment process for Uzbek citizens seeking work in Russia is a positive step forward. This initiative aims to create a more organized and humane approach to labor migration, which has become an essential component of both countries' economies.
In summary, the diplomatic discussions between Uzbekistan and Russia reflect a critical moment in addressing the rights of labor migrants. With the emphasis on legal protections and cooperation, there is hope for improved conditions for Uzbek citizens working abroad. However, the ongoing reports of rights violations remain a pressing concern that both governments must address decisively.
