Tajikistan Raises Concerns Over Treatment of Citizens at Russian Airports

The Tajikistan Foreign Ministry has reported that between April 26-30, 2024, 643 Tajik citizens were deported from Moscow's Vnukovo airport, with 117 more facing deportation. Around 1,000 Tajik citizens remain detained at various Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo, Zhukovsky, and Domodedovo, in what the Tajik government describes as "inhumane conditions."

According to an official source within the Tajik Foreign Ministry, out of 3,101 Tajik nationals arriving at Vnukovo Airport during this period, 643 were deported after being left stranded without appropriate conditions. The source stated, "A decision has been made to deport another 117 Tajik nationals, who are currently being kept in inhumane conditions in the temporary detention area of the Vnukovo Airport."

The Tajik Foreign Ministry has called on its citizens to refrain from traveling to the Russian Federation unless absolutely necessary, citing the difficult situation at Moscow's airports. The ministry expressed serious concern over the treatment of Tajik nationals and the ongoing issues they are facing, conveying these concerns to the Russian Ambassador and seeking clarification on the rights violations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a call with his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin, explained that the increased scrutiny of foreign arrivals in Russia is primarily aimed at preventing terrorism and that the situation at checkpoints will eventually return to normal. Lavrov emphasized that the thorough checks are temporary measures taken in response to security concerns, particularly after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024.

Why this matters: The diplomatic tensions between Tajikistan and Russia over the treatment of Tajik citizens at Russian airports highlight the broader challenges faced by Central Asian migrant workers in Russia. The incident underscores the need for improved cooperation and understanding between the two countries to ensure the rights and well-being of Tajik nationals traveling to Russia for work or other purposes.

The Tajik Foreign Ministry has urged Russia to address the situation promptly and to ensure that the rights and freedoms of Tajik citizens are respected. The ministry also called for an end to the negative treatment and discrimination faced by Tajik nationals in Russia. As the two countries work to maintain their strategic partnership, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact their bilateral relations and the future of Tajik migrant workers in Russia.

Key Takeaways

• 643 Tajik citizens deported from Moscow's Vnukovo airport, 117 more facing deportation.
• Around 1,000 Tajik citizens detained at Moscow airports in "inhumane conditions".
• Tajik FM calls on citizens to avoid travel to Russia, cites difficult airport situation.
• Russia says increased scrutiny aims to prevent terrorism, situation will return to normal.
• Incident highlights challenges faced by Central Asian migrant workers in Russia.