Photo courtesy by anhor.uz
In 2024, Uzbek officials repatriated the bodies of 483 migrant workers who passed away while working abroad. These figures were shared during a press conference held by representatives of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, reports Gazeta.uz.
It was clarified that all deceased individuals were legally employed in foreign countries. Most repatriations were from Russia, accounting for 474 cases. Additionally, five bodies were transported from Turkey, four from South Korea, and four from Kazakhstan.
Nigora Isroilova, head of a department at the Migration Agency, stated that all costs associated with returning the bodies were fully covered by the Uzbek government. Transportation expenses varied depending on the country of origin. For example, a repatriation flight from Russia cost under $1,000, while transportation from the UK ranged from $4,000 to $5,000, and from South Korea or Japan around $9,000.
The press conference also highlighted efforts to assist stranded Uzbeks abroad. Officials facilitated the return of 775 migrant workers facing challenging circumstances and repatriated 182 individuals who had sustained serious injuries.
The year 2024 also saw incidents involving the deaths of foreign workers in Russia. In May, a fire broke out in a hostel in Moscow Oblast, which housed mainly Uzbek nationals. The tragedy claimed the lives of eight individuals.
