Uzbekistan has urged Russia to respect the rights of its citizens during migration-related raids, as per to official statements from the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The issue was discussed on January 26 during a meeting between Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Olimjon Abdullayev and Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Aleksei Erkhov, where both sides addressed labor migration and the regulation of migration processes.
The Uzbek delegation emphasized the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of Uzbek citizens working in Russia, including those who may have violated migration laws. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that ensuring the fundamental rights of all Uzbek nationals during migration checks and raid operations is a priority.
The meeting followed recent migration raids in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, during which Russian authorities detained 95 foreign nationals and filed administrative protocols. In total, 280 people were detained during checks conducted at supermarkets, including “Perekryostok” and the X5 Group distribution center.
Uzbekistan has previously raised concerns regarding the treatment of its citizens in Russia. In the summer of 2025, the Uzbek Embassy in Russia requested clarification over incidents in the Sokolniki area, where Uzbek migrants reportedly faced physical force from OMON officers.
In May 2025, the Russian ambassador to Uzbekistan was summoned over reports of harsh treatment of labor migrants. Additionally, in August 2025, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and his Uzbek counterpart Aziz Tashpulatov discussed new migration rules that took effect in September 2025, requiring foreign nationals to regularize their labor status by September 10 or leave the country.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was reviewing the reports carefully and noted that the bilateral relationship between Russia and Uzbekistan is based on alliance and strategic partnership, which guides the handling of migration-related issues.
