Despite the pressure, Tajik migrants will head to Russia

The Russian political scientist anticipates an influx of migrants from Tajikistan to Russia after some countries decided not to admit them into their territory.

Vadim Trukhachyov, an associate professor at the Department of Foreign Regional Studies and Foreign Policy of RGGU, stated in an interview with the news agency “SM-News” that after the UAE, Turkey, and Korea stopped accepting Tajik citizens, they will have little choice left.

“Tajik citizens have stopped being issued visas to the UAE. They have gained a reputation for mass brawls. Previously, Tajik labor migrants were no longer allowed into South Korea. Turkey introduced visas for Tajikistan after its citizens were involved in Islamist terrorist attacks,” Trukhachyov reported.

Thus, for migrants from Tajikistan, there are fewer countries to which they could go for work. In this regard, the political scientist expects an influx of migrants to Russia, including those with radical views.

Trukhachyov mockingly questions where and why the rejected Tajik “valuable specialists” will go now.

The expert’s remarks came against the backdrop of increasing pressure from Russian law enforcement agencies on Tajik migrants. Tajik citizens complain that upon entering Russia, they are subjected to unprecedentedly harsh checks and interrogations. For several months now, entry into Russia has been complicated for Tajik migrants. Videos published on social media show that Russian border guards strictly check Tajik citizens at both land borders and airports. Recently, hundreds of Tajiks have been denied entry and sent back to their homeland.

Special unwritten discriminatory rules apply to migrants from Central Asia. They are usually detained at the border for hours, undergoing interrogations and having their personal belongings checked.

After the bloody attack on “Krokus City Hall” and the hostage-taking at a Volgograd prison, Russian law enforcement agencies further intensified control over Tajik citizens and tightened migration policy. However, the authorities of Tajikistan have not attempted to help them resolve their issues; instead, they prefer to remain silent.