Uzbekistan’s diplomats discuss migrant issues with Russian Ambassador

On January 26, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Olimjon Abdullayev held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Alexey Yerkhov. During the meeting, the parties discussed pressing issues related to the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of Uzbekistan engaged in labor activities in the territory of the Russian Federation. This was reported to QALAMPIR.UZ by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Akhror Burkhanov.

On January 15 of this year, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a videoconference meeting on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad, criticized the Ministry for limiting its response to inhumane treatment and raid operations against Uzbek citizens working abroad to the issuance of diplomatic notes at most.

Following this criticism, during the subsequent meeting, Uzbek diplomats held a detailed discussion on current issues concerning the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan working in the Russian Federation.

In particular, the discussions involved the participation of the Consuls General of the Republic of Uzbekistan operating in various regions of the Russian Federation, which made it possible to examine the issues raised in a precise and comprehensive manner, taking into account practical experience on the ground. The Russian side was represented by the leadership of the consular section of the diplomatic mission, officials responsible for migration issues, as well as representatives of law enforcement agencies.

The Uzbek side emphasized that it is of fundamental importance to prevent any form of violation of the rights and human dignity of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan — both those complying with the law and those who have violated migration regulations — during migration inspections and raid operations.

The meeting confirmed the parties’ commitment to developing pragmatic and mutually respectful dialogue aimed at regulating migration processes, as well as creating favorable conditions for the lawful employment of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation.

The parties also underscored the necessity of holding regular consular consultations and bilateral meetings in order to consistently improve practical cooperation and further strengthen collaboration.