Strict checks and interrogations of Tajik migrants at airports in Russia

Tajik citizens complain that upon entering Russia, they are subjected to unprecedentedly harsh checks and interrogations.

A Tajik migrant reported to Azda TV on Monday that he flew from Tashkent to Samara the day before. According to him, upon arrival, all natives of Central Asian countries were taken to a separate room where they were checked very rigorously and thoroughly.

“Airport staff even checked phones, read all messages, and examined all social media. Some checks lasted for hours,” the source said.

This Tajik migrant also mentioned that when he asked about the reasons for such checks and interrogations by the security and customs authorities at the airport and stated that he had Russian citizenship, they replied: “It does not matter to us whether you have Russian citizenship or not; because you are a native of Tajikistan and are visiting this country, you must undergo a special check.”

“Our task is to thoroughly check all migrants from Central Asia, especially citizens of Tajikistan. We have received many warnings about you,” one of the airport security staff said.

Tajik citizens have previously faced difficulties when entering Russia. Tajik migrants have been complaining for several months that their entry into Russia has become complicated. Videos published on social media show that Russian border guards strictly check Tajik citizens both at land borders and at airports.

Recently, hundreds of Tajiks have been denied entry and sent back to their homeland.

There are special unwritten discriminatory rules in place for migrants from Central Asia. They are usually detained at the border for hours, undergoing interrogations and having their personal belongings checked.

Following the bloody attack on “Krokus City Hall” and the hostage-taking at a Volgograd colony, Russian law enforcement agencies have further tightened control over Tajik citizens and intensified migration policies.

Observers note that under the pretext of combating extremism, thousands of innocent migrants who came for work have been detained and deported. However, the authorities of Tajikistan have not attempted to help them resolve their issues, instead preferring to remain silent.