Mass raids against migrants in Novosibirsk

The police, National Guard, and employees of the military investigative department of the Investigative Committee of Russia conducted another series of mass raids on migrants in the Novosibirsk region.

This was reported to the media by the deputy head of the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs, Konstantin Gavrin.

The security forces searched for foreigners in Senchanka, Yarkovo, and the village named after Krupskaya near Novosibirsk, as well as in the area of Khilokskaya Street in the regional center.

According to local media, the raids were aimed at identifying illegal migrants, as well as those who recently obtained Russian citizenship but have not registered with military enlistment offices.

In videos published on social media, it can be seen that all factory workers are taken outside and their documents are checked.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a total of 498 migrants were checked from September 23 to 25. The police drew up 19 administrative protocols and issued 33 summonses to the military enlistment office for arrivals who obtained Russian citizenship.

Among the migrants, 17 were found to be in Russia in violation of migration legislation.

Three migrants were fined between 2,000 and 40,000 rubles, 13 individuals received a five-year entry ban to Russia, and one migrant received a ten-year ban. Additionally, it was decided to deport 50 migrants. Currently, these individuals are placed in a temporary detention center for foreign citizens until their deportation from the country.

During the inspection of summer cottages in the suburbs of Novosibirsk, 51 foreign citizens were checked, five of whom were taken to police stations.

It is not specified whether any of those detained were natives of Tajikistan.

Over the past two years, especially after the attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue, in which migrants are suspected, there has been a rise in xenophobia and anti-migrant sentiment in Russia. Law enforcement agencies conduct mass raids on the streets, in hostels, cafes, and markets, where migrants are often treated harshly, beaten, and have their patents or residence permits revoked. This particularly affects citizens from Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan. They are also stripped of their residence permits and even citizenship for evading participation in the war in Ukraine.