More than 450 migrants have been deported from Russia following 7,632 police raids across Moscow, according to a report released by the city’s Main Police Directorate covering the first nine months of the year.
The operations targeted public spaces, shopping and food centers, dormitories, and other areas where migrants live and work. Authorities issued around 1,400 expulsion orders, of which more than 450 have already been executed.
“Over 58,000 violations of migration laws were identified, including about 15,000 cases of foreigners or stateless persons violating entry rules or residence regulations in Russia,” the statement said.
Police also reported over 5,000 violations related to the illegal employment of foreign nationals, the discovery of 242 individuals wanted for various crimes (including serious offenses), 430 people suffering from dangerous diseases, and 100 migrants who entered the country using forged documents.
Rising pressure on migrant communities
Authorities have intensified inspections and raids on migrant communities following the March 2024 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which left more than 140 people dead. The attack triggered a wave of anti-migrant sentiment and tougher law enforcement actions across Russia.
Over the past month alone, Russian media have reported several large-scale raids targeting migrant dormitories and workplaces. In one such operation in southeast Moscow, over 70 migrants were detained.
Earlier, on September 22, riot police (OMON) raided a concert by an Uzbek singer in Krasnoyarsk, detaining 26 Central Asian workers attending the event.
Tajikistan seeks to diversify labor migration
Against the backdrop of tighter migration controls in Russia — traditionally the main destination for Tajik labor migrants — Tajik authorities have begun efforts to diversify the country’s labor migration market. However, experts note that the process remains slow and limited in scope.
