Kazakhstan is combating illegal migration following the terrorist attack in Moscow

The main burden of searches falls on the citizens of Tajikistan.

After the terrorist tragedy in Moscow at the end of March, Kazakhstan is tightening control over labor migrants from neighboring Central Asian states, particularly from Tajikistan. Tajik guest workers complain that they are subjected to mass detentions and deportations. Repressions against Tajik labor migrants in Kazakhstan somewhat mimic the treatment of labor migrants in Russia since Tajik citizens were found guilty of the attack on “Krokus City Hall,” which resulted in the deaths of more than 140 people.

Radio Ozodi, the Tajik service of RFE/RL, reported on May 7 that the Kazakh police are conducting security checks across the country, including document checks aimed at identifying violators of Kazakhstan’s immigration regulations. “The situation for Tajik migrants has worsened. Raids are being conducted, and many are being deported. There have been cases where even those with temporary registration were detained and deported,” quotes Radio Ozodi a Tajik citizen who has been working in Kazakhstan for six years, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Earlier in May, the Kazakh police released data from a special operation conducted in the central Ulytau region, during which 16 citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were detained for lacking the necessary work permits. “In order to ensure law and order, all foreign citizens were forcibly expelled from the country,” the police statement said. The police also pursued migrants suspected of ignoring previous deportation notices issued by the court.

The police’s response to the terrorist incident in Moscow goes beyond repression against labor migrants. For example, law enforcement officials conducted security checks in shopping centers, markets, educational institutions, and other places where large crowds gather to ensure they have plans to combat potential terrorist attacks. By the end of April, 1,800 establishments were checked for compliance with security measures, resulting in 180 administrative cases for violations of regulatory requirements.

“The checks are not limited to identifying deficiencies. Police officers assess the level of knowledge and skills of personnel, as well as the security of facilities, in response to various emergency situations and conduct training,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.

As the most prosperous state in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has traditionally attracted a significant number of migrants from neighboring countries, especially Uzbekistan. According to statistics from the International Organization for Migration, nearly 725,000 foreign citizens migrated to Kazakhstan between 2020 and 2023, primarily for work, although some fled potential repression in Russia or evaded military conscription. Uzbeks made up the majority of migrants during this four-year period. Russians and Tajiks were the next two largest national groups of migrants. Almaty, Astana, Mangistau, and Karaganda were the main destinations for migrants in Kazakhstan.

Official data from Tajikistan shows that in July 2022, more than 10,000 citizens of Tajikistan were working in Kazakhstan, although members of the Tajik diaspora claim that this figure underestimates the actual number of labor migrants in the country. Most of them are engaged in informal work, such as in construction. At that time, many Tajiks stated that they preferred to work in Kazakhstan rather than Russia due to the more welcoming atmosphere in Central Asia. However, for many, this is no longer the case.

According to a 2023 research study titled “Prospects of Labor Migration: Views from Kazakhstan,” authorities are struggling to keep pace with the regulation in light of the influx of guest workers. “Labor migration management in Kazakhstan is currently facing pressing issues,” the study states. “These include the mismatch between attracting labor migrants and effectively regulating their flow, the lack of tools to assess regional demand for skilled foreign labor, and inadequate systems for monitoring the movement and placement of migrants.”

A separate 2023 research study “Labor Migration: A View from Kazakhstan” identified other gaps in the country’s labor migration system, including “violations of labor legislation by migrants and employers, including the employment or hiring of low-skilled foreign citizens without a labor contract.” The study also notes that some guest workers faced “restrictions on personal freedom” and “discrimination in wages.” The attack on “Krokus City Hall” in Russia apparently prompted the Kazakh authorities to “catch up” in the fight against illegal migration.

On May 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan warned citizens traveling to Kazakhstan to be prepared for increased security measures. “In case of checks during border and customs control upon arrival in Kazakhstan, Tajik citizens need to be ready to answer questions related to the purpose and duration of the trip, place of residence, presence of friends or relatives in Kazakhstan, provided that their address and contact numbers are required,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan stated.

Almaz Kumenov is a journalist from Almaty, Eurasianet.org