Central Asian migration to Russia declines significantly

Labor migration from Central Asian nations to Russia has seen a notable decline in the first half of 2026. Data from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan indicates that approximately 1.18 million Uzbek citizens traveled to Russia for work, representing a 13.2% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. Similar downward trends were observed in Tajikistan, where departures fell by 1.7%, and Kyrgyzstan, where 736,600 citizens worked abroad since the start of the year, compared to 798,400 in the entirety of 2025.

Several factors contribute to this shift. Russian authorities have tightened migration policies, including the ability to deport foreigners without judicial proceedings and increased administrative controls. Following the Crocus City Hall attack in March 2024, migrants from Central Asia have reported increased scrutiny, unfavorable treatment, and restrictions on employment in certain sectors. Additionally, new requirements mandate that children of foreign nationals pass Russian language proficiency tests before school enrollment.

Beyond policy changes, migrants have expressed fears regarding military recruitment and being sent to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. This migration shift poses economic challenges for the home countries, as remittances are vital to their economies. For instance, 2025 World Bank data showed remittances accounted for 57.7% of Tajikistan's GDP, 17.6% of Kyrgyzstan's, and 14.4% of Uzbekistan's.