According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, the meeting discussed measures to improve labor migration and organize migration processes. In particular, attention was drawn to the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Uzbek citizens working in Russia. "The Uzbek side emphasized the need to prevent any forms of violation of the rights and dignity of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, both those who comply with the laws and those who have violated migration rules, during migration raids," the ministry's statement noted.
Participating in the discussion were the consuls general of Uzbekistan from various regions of Russia, as well as representatives of the consular department of the Russian embassy responsible for migration issues and law enforcement officials.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan also noted that the meeting confirmed the parties' commitment to developing a constructive and mutually respectful dialogue aimed at organizing migration processes and creating comfortable conditions for the labor activities of Uzbek citizens in Russia.
The parties expressed the need for regular consultations aimed at improving cooperation and interaction.
Last week in St. Petersburg, police conducted a series of migration raids at the distribution center of X5 Group and in 139 "Perekrestok" stores. As a result of the raids, 95 foreigners were taken to police stations, administrative protocols were drawn up against them, and 280 people were detained after checks in supermarkets.
Last summer, Uzbekistan expressed concern over reports of improper checks and rough treatment of its citizens in Russia, calling for the respect of international rights and human rights.
The Uzbek embassy also sent a note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting clarification regarding the situation in Moscow related to the incident in the Sokolniki area, where, according to reports, OMON officers used physical force against labor migrants.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova noted that Moscow is carefully reviewing the information received and emphasized the strong allied relations between Russia and Uzbekistan, stating that all issues of bilateral interaction are considered from this perspective.
Earlier, in May, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, where he was informed about cases of abuse against labor migrants.
