Uzbekistan stresses protection of citizens’ rights amid migration checks in Russia

Reportedly, the meeting was held as part of efforts to implement the presidential decree of October 17, 2024, “On additional measures to regulate labor activity abroad.” Under the decree, a program of measures to improve external labor migration processes for 2024–2026 was approved. Abdullayev was appointed as the official responsible for coordinating external labor migration issues and providing comprehensive support to the Migration Agency. The decree also outlined steps to strengthen the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens working abroad and to address challenges in the migration sphere.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the regulation of labor activity of Uzbek citizens in Russia and ways to improve labor migration processes.

The parties exchanged views on relaunching a “pilot project” to employ Uzbek citizens at enterprises in Russia’s construction and agro-industrial sectors. In particular, they considered transferring migration procedures, medical examinations, and Russian language tests to the branches of Russian universities in Tashkent and Jizzakh. They also discussed establishing training centers on the Russian language, history, and legislation, as well as engaging Russian experts in training teachers and production specialists within Uzbekistan’s vocational education system.

Special attention was paid to ensuring that the rights of Uzbek citizens are not violated or discriminated against during migration raids in Russia.

The sides agreed to hold regular meetings within the framework of the working group established to promptly address issues related to labor migration.