More than half of Uzbek citizens working abroad continue to be employed in the Russian Federation, according to diplomatic and migration agency reports. The Russian Foreign Ministry underscored that the country remains the premier labor hub for workers arriving from Central Asian nations, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Alexander Sternik, director of the Russian MFA's Third CIS Department, noted that despite a recent decrease in overall migrant flows, Russia retains its status as the top employment choice. He cited geographical proximity, a shared linguistic environment, and established socioeconomic connections as the primary factors sustaining this mobility pattern across the region.

Official statistics from Uzbekistan's Migration Agency indicate that an estimated 1.1 to 1.2 million citizens are currently engaged in cross-border employment, with over 50 percent based in Russia. A similar reliance is observed in Tajikistan, where labor authorities reported that more than 30,000 citizens relocated to Russia under organized recruitment initiatives in 2025—an increase of roughly 12,000 people compared to the previous year.

In response to the complex challenges faced by expatriate workers, Tashkent has continued refining support mechanisms for its workforce overseas. Uzbek authorities reaffirmed that citizens stranded in Russia without financial resources or valid documentation can apply for state-funded repatriation assistance, covering essential travel expenses to return home safely.

Source: podrobno.uz