Russia removes nearly 160,000 Uzbek nationals from “persons under control” registry

Last week in Tashkent, Deputy Foreign Minister Olim Abdullaev held a meeting with the Russian ambassador to Uzbekistan. Details of the meeting were provided to the Dunyo Information Agency by Temur Hamidov, an attaché at the Consular and Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hamidov noted that the dialogue took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. The parties primarily discussed matters concerning Uzbek citizens working in Russia and their families. Special attention was paid to ensuring children’s access to preschool and school education, as well as enabling families to carry out lawful employment activities together.

Migration inspections and raids were also discussed. The Uzbek side stressed the importance of ensuring that any actions are carried out fairly, with respect for human dignity and without violating the legal rights and interests of citizens. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation to ensure safe and favorable conditions for Uzbek citizens and their families in Russia.

According to Hamidov, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is paying particular attention to expanding opportunities for labor migrants, preparing them before employment, and improving their Russian-language skills. In this regard, discussions were held with Russian employers on simplifying documentation procedures and establishing training centers on Russian language, history and legislation at the branches of Russian universities in Tashkent and Jizzakh.

It was emphasised that protecting the rights of labor migrants is a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad. Consular offices are taking the necessary measures to prevent and resolve violations involving citizens.

Official data show that in the first nine months of 2025, Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions and consular offices in Russia reviewed more than 50,000 appeals. Over 3,200 citizens were assisted in securing employment or resolving labor disputes, and more than 58,600 new job opportunities were identified. Consular staff also helped more than 380 citizens recover nearly $310,000 in unpaid wages from unscrupulous employers.

In addition, the passports unlawfully seized by employers from more than 1,300 citizens were returned. More than 500 compatriots in difficult situations received financial and material assistance totaling over $125,000.

Comprehensive outreach was carried out to explain the migration amnesty and encourage citizens to regulate their legal status by applying to migration authorities within the prescribed deadlines or by leaving Russia. More than 84,000 citizens consulted consular offices on issues related to legalization.

Within ongoing efforts to document citizens staying illegally, documents were accepted to issue foreign passports for more than 5,700 individuals, while more than 17,400 citizens received practical assistance to return home. Air tickets were purchased for 1,560 citizens to facilitate their return.

The most important update, according to the MFA representative, is the following: Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has removed nearly 160,000 Uzbek citizens from the “persons under control” registry. More than 70,000 of them regularized their legal status with Russia’s migration authorities, while the rest were removed from the list because they left Russia within the designated period or for other reasons.

Hamidov added that 24/7 call centers, hotlines and online consular services operating under the embassy and consulates in Russia give citizens the opportunity to receive legal and practical assistance remotely.