Photo: AFP
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation involving the deportation of undocumented migrants from the United States to other countries and stands ready to assist its citizens, wherever they may be. This statement was made by Akhror Burkhanov, spokesperson for the head of the foreign ministry, according to Dunyo.
Burkhanov added that the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C. and the Consulate General in New York are working closely with U.S. law enforcement to ensure the safe return of citizens from the Central Asian republic. According to the diplomat, Uzbek nationals typically return home on flights operating the New York–Tashkent route.
He emphasized that the ministry is carefully tracking deportation flights from the U.S. to other countries and remains in constant contact with both American officials and the authorities of Latin American nations.
The ministry’s representative made this statement in response to reports that Costa Rica had agreed to receive 200 deported migrants from the U.S. According to media sources, the first plane carrying deportees has already landed in San José and reportedly included citizens of India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It was noted that these individuals could remain in Costa Rica for up to six weeks before being sent back to their home countries.
On February 14, U.S. authorities deported 119 undocumented migrants to Panama as part of an agreement between the two countries. Media outlets reported that the group included Uzbek nationals, though the exact number was not specified.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized tightening immigration policy. Shortly after his inauguration on January 20 of this year, the U.S. began expelling undocumented immigrants.
According to American officials, by the end of November 2024, a total of 975 Uzbek citizens were slated for deportation.
