The authorities of Uzbekistan have urged Russia to ensure the rights of its citizens are respected during migrant-related raids. During a meeting on January 26 between Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Olimjon Abdullayev and Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Alexey Erkhov, the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of migrants, including those who violate migration laws, during raids and checks, was emphasized, according to RBC.
The parties discussed labor migration issues and the regulation of migration processes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan clarified that the focus was on protecting the rights and legitimate interests of Uzbek citizens working in Russia.
“The Uzbek side stressed the fundamental importance of preventing any infringement on the rights and dignity of citizens of Uzbekistan, including both law-abiding individuals and those who have violated migration laws, during migration checks and raid operations,” the Ministry stated.
The meeting took place amid recent migration raids in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, where 95 foreign nationals were detained by police, with administrative protocols filed against them. In total, 280 people were detained after checks at supermarkets, such as “Perekryostok” and the X5 Group distribution center.
Previous concerns expressed
This is not the first time Uzbekistan has raised concerns about the treatment of its citizens in Russia. Last summer, Tashkent expressed alarm over unauthorized checks and disrespectful treatment of Uzbek migrants in Russia. The Uzbek Embassy in Russia sent a note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting clarification on an incident in the Sokolniki area, where, according to Uzbekistan, OMON officers used physical force against temporary workers.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was carefully reviewing the information and emphasized that the relationship between Russia and Uzbekistan is based on alliance and strategic partnership, which informs how bilateral issues are addressed.
In May 2025, Russia's ambassador was summoned to the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was also reminded of reports of harsh treatment of labor migrants. In August 2025, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev discussed with his Uzbek counterpart Aziz Tashpulotov the new migration rules that came into effect in September, which required foreign nationals to regularize their labor status by September 10 or leave Russia.
