In 2025, more than 600 Tajik students were expelled from universities in Russia. This was announced by Ms. Lutfiya Abdulkholiqzoda, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Tajikistan, during a news conference in Dushanbe on January 30.
Abdulkholiqzoda explained that the expelled students had been transferred to higher educational institutions in Tajikistan to continue their studies. She also added that, through cooperation with Russian authorities, a solution was found for students who had been denied entry to Russia over the past two years due to tightening migration policies. This issue was discussed during a meeting of the Tajik-Russian intergovernmental commission in Moscow, where representatives from all relevant departments participated.
"Following the meeting, detailed information was provided about the students who had been deported from Russian airports and subsequently expelled from universities. As a result, 730 students who were expelled over the past two years have now received invitations to continue their studies at Russian universities," Abdulkholiqzoda said.
However, she noted that many students did not wish to return to Russia and chose to continue their education in Tajikistan.
Problems with entering Russia
In previous years, students from Tajikistan faced no difficulties entering Russia, but the situation changed in 2024.
Earlier, Asia-Plus was contacted by Muhammadjon Boyev, a student at a Russian university, who reported that he had been banned from staying in Russia. He also claimed that he had been beaten and mistreated during his deportation. He sent a letter describing his ordeal.
At the time, Muhammadjon was a second-year student at the Michurinsk State Agrarian University, where he enrolled in 2023. He stated that he had contacted the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan but was referred to the "Center for International Programs" because he had been admitted to the university through the presidential Durakhshandagon scholarship program.
Asia-Plus then reached out to the Center for International Programs at the Ministry of Education of Tajikistan regarding the student's case. The Center responded that they could not provide any information on his case but noted that 5-6 other students had contacted them with similar issues.
Ramazon Safarzoda, the Director of the Center, mentioned that students frequently complain about being deported without cause, with Russian authorities citing alleged legal violations as the reason for their actions.
Minister of Education and Science of Tajikistan, Rahim Saidzoda, informed the press on January 30 that over 6,000 Tajik students are currently studying in Russia. He also highlighted that 551 students from Tajikistan are enrolled in Russian universities under the presidential scholarship program Durakhshandagon.