Photo: Press Service of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Uzbekistan has voiced concern over growing reports of rights violations and mistreatment of its citizens working in Russia. The issue was raised during a May 2 meeting between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Bobur Usmanov and Russian Ambassador Oleg Malginov, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Usmanov emphasized that the persecution of Uzbek labor migrants constitutes a violation of their rights and freedoms, which are supposed to be protected under Russian law.
«In this regard, the need was stressed for a thorough examination of the issue raised and for Uzbek concerns to be conveyed to the relevant competent authorities of the Russian Federation,» the ministry said.
The statement noted that regular consultations with the Russian side help ensure the effective protection of citizens' interests and strengthen cooperation in the field of migration. Particular attention is being paid to pre-departure language and vocational training for migrants, the relocation of some permit procedures to Uzbekistan, and the enforcement of legal protections on Russian territory.
The two sides agreed to continue close cooperation in mutually protecting the rights and freedoms of Uzbek and Russian citizens in both countries.
👉 Notably, the Russian Embassy in Uzbekistan did not report the ambassador’s summons to the Foreign Ministry. On the day of the meeting, the embassy reposted a memo for foreign nationals relocating to Russia, which described the country as “a place where one wants to live and work — free, safe, and welcoming to friends.” The following day, the embassy reported a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which the Uzbek leader confirmed his participation in upcoming events in Moscow commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
