Migrants and Tajiks living abroad have contributed over 500 million somonis (TJS) to the construction of 272 facilities in Tajikistan, including kindergartens, schools, canteens, hotels, and sports halls. This was announced by Sharifjon Jumazoda, head of the Committee for the Development of Local Self-Government, during a news conference in Dushanbe on July 22.
According to Jumazoda, these facilities were built over the years of Tajikistan’s independence.
“Thanks to our compatriots abroad, 272 social facilities have been constructed, totaling TJS536,843,000. These include kindergartens, schools, canteens, hotels, hairdressing salons, and sports halls, which are used by local residents,” said Jumazoda.
He also reported that this year, 127 more facilities will be built with a budget of over 336 million somonis, again funded by Tajiks living abroad.
“These projects are part of the concept of attracting expatriates as partners in the country's development,” Jumazoda added.
In response to a question from an Asia-Plus journalist about who is included in the term "compatriots abroad," Jumazoda clarified: “It’s not just labor migrants. It also includes natives of Tajikistan who are now citizens of other countries and reside there permanently.”
During the news conference, he also mentioned Umar Kremlyov, the president of the International Boxing Association, whose father hails from the Tajik city of Hisor. According to Jumazoda, Kremlyov has already built several facilities in Tajikistan.
Migrants build and repair — often without recognition
For many years, Tajik migrants have taken the initiative to raise funds and construct schools and social facilities in their home villages, as well as asphalt roads. However, their contributions are often downplayed or ignored by both officials and state media.
In 2023, a video went viral on social media showing a television employee instructing a local official not to mention the term “migrant” while discussing improvements in a settlement. The video sparked widespread debate.
In the footage, the official lists the names of migrants, saying: “…with the involvement of migrants who are…” but is interrupted by the journalist who says, “Don’t say ‘migrant,’ brother! Never mention the word ‘migrant!’” The journalist then advises the official to refer to them as “worthy sons of the village.”
This incident led to concerns among civil activists and migrants, who expressed frustration over the lack of proper recognition for the contributions of migrant workers, even in their home country.
Statistics and remittances shrouded in secrecy
It is worth noting that official statistics on the migration of Tajik citizens to other countries are not published. However, according to Russian authorities, over a million Tajik migrants travel to Russia each year.
Despite working in difficult conditions and often facing persecution and humiliation, these migrants send billions of somonis back to Tajikistan.
Nevertheless, for over a decade, the relevant Tajik authorities, including the National Bank, have not disclosed data on the total amount of remittances sent by migrants, despite the fact that this information is not classified by law.
In contrast, international financial organizations regularly publish such estimates. According to unofficial data, remittances from migrants have accounted for as much as 40% of Tajikistan’s GDP in certain years.
