About 1.3 Million Uzbek Citizens Work in Russia — Hakimov

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Approximately 1.3 million citizens of Uzbekistan are currently employed in Russia, according to Rahim Hakimov, Deputy Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, as reported by TASS.

In 2025, about 106,000 Uzbek citizens traveled to Russia as part of organized labor recruitment programs. Roughly half of them are employed at major Russian enterprises, including Gazprom, Lukoil, Kamaz, AvtoVAZ, Ozon, and SPAR.

Agreements reached last year allow for part of the work permit processing to take place within Uzbekistan, streamlining procedures for migrant workers. Additionally, plans are underway to expand pre-departure training, including Russian language testing, to better prepare workers before leaving the country.

New examination centers will be opened in Jizzakh and Andijan, covering the entire Fergana Valley region.

It was previously reported that Russia will no longer issue work permits to low-income migrants. Tax authorities will automatically provide the Ministry of Internal Affairs with income information of foreign workers, enabling stricter regulation of official employment documentation.