The number of Kyrgyz citizens in Russia has dropped from 650,000 to 350,000 over the past year. However, the volume of remittances from Russia to Kyrgyzstan has increased, Radio Azattyk reports.
At a press conference, Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev stated that, according to Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, there were 650,000 registered Kyrgyz migrants in the country in 2023. By the end of 2024, this figure had nearly halved to 350,000.
In 2023, remittances from Russia to Kyrgyzstan totaled US$2.531 billion. Meanwhile, over the first eleven months of last year, the amount reportedly increased to US$2.565 billion.
By the end of December, an additional US$200 million were expected to be added.
Despite the decline in the number of Kyrgyz migrants, remittances continue to grow.
These figures, provided by Kyrgyzstan’s National Bank, reportedly include only personal transfers from individuals, excluding transactions related to business activities.
The most popular money transfer systems from Russia to Kyrgyzstan are Zolotaya Korona and Unistream. In recent years, banking apps and mobile wallets have also gained popularity.
Migrants now earn more than Russians
Experts attribute the increase in remittances primarily to higher wages for Kyrgyz migrants.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the labor market in Russia has worsened. Hundreds of thousands of Russians left the country to avoid mobilization and repression, most of them of working age.
A study by The Bell revealed that as of July 2024, over 650,000 Russians had not returned to the country.
Additionally, Russian authorities have tightened migration laws, leading to a decline in labor migration.
According to Rosstat, only 560,000 foreign workers entered Russia in 2023—23% fewer than in 2022, marking the lowest figure over the past decade.
Deportations have also increased: 44,000 migrants were deported in 2023, and by 2024, this number had jumped to 80,000.
The International Organization for Migration (IMO) confirms that over the past three years, more Kyrgyz migrants have been returning home.
Studies show that foreign migrants in Russia are earning more than Russian citizens. According to research, foreign migrants in Russia are now earning more than local citizens.
Data from the Migrant Service platform indicates that in 2024, the average income of migrants has reached 150,000 rubles per month.
