Kazakhstan intensifying anti-immigration measures post-Moscow terrorist attack
In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Moscow, Kazakhstan has tightened the screws on labor migrants, particularly Tajiks, residing within its borders. These migrants are voicing concerns over mass detentions and forced deportations.
This crackdown bears similarities to the experiences of guest workers in Russia, as Tajik nationals were implicated in the horrific CrocusCity Hall attack that claimed over 140 lives.
Radio Ozodi, the Tajik service of RFE/RL, reported on May 7 that Kazakh police were conducting a nationwide security sweep. This operation involved document checks aimed at identifying immigration rule-breakers.
A six-year resident of Kazakhstan, speaking anonymously, shared his concerns. "The situation for Tajikistan natives has worsened. Raids are taking place, and many are being deported. There were instances where even those with temporary residence permits were detained and expelled," he said.
Earlier in May, Kazakh police detained 16 Tajik and Uzbek nationals in Ulytau for working without the necessary authorization. According to a police statement, these individuals were forcibly removed from the country. The authorities were also actively pursuing migrants who had previously ignored court-ordered deportation notices.
Beyond the migrant crackdown, Kazakhstan's law enforcement has stepped up security measures in various public places, including shopping malls, markets, educational institutions, and crowded venues. By the end of April, over 1,800 establishments had been inspected for compliance with security regulations, leading to the filing of 180 administrative cases.
As the most prosperous state in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has long attracted numerous guests workers from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan. Between 2020 and 2023, the International Organization for Migration estimates that approximately 725,000 foreign nationals immigrated to Kazakhstan, primarily for work purposes. Uzbeks comprised the majority, while Russians and Tajiks formed the next two largest national groups of migrants. The cities of Almaty, Astana, Mangystau, and Karaganda were the most popular destinations for these migrants.
In July 2022, over 10,000 Tajik citizens were reportedly working in Kazakhstan. Members of the Tajik diaspora contest that this figure understates the actual number of Tajik labor migrants in the country. Most of these workers engage in manual labor, such as construction. At that time, many Tajiks preferred working in Kazakhstan due to a more welcoming atmosphere compared to Russia. However, these preferences may be changing.
A 2023 academic study, titled "Perspectives on Labor Migration: Insights from Kazakhstan," revealed that authorities are finding it challenging to keep up with the influx of guest workers. The study argues that Kazakhstan's labor migration management is currently grappling with several issues, such as the disparity between attracting and effectively regulating labor migrants, determining regional demand for skilled foreign workers, and monitoring migrant movements and placements.
Another 2023 academic study, "Labor Migration: A view from Kazakhstan," highlighted various gaps in Kazakhstan's labor migration framework, including labor law violations by migrants and employers and the restriction of personal freedom and wage discrimination for some guest workers.
The CrocusCity Hall attack in Russia seems to have prompted Kazakh authorities to catch up on addressing illegal migration. On May 7, the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens traveling to Kazakhstan to be prepared for increased security measures.
During border and customs control, citizens of Tajikistan should be prepared to answer questions regarding their trip's purpose, timing, place of residence, and provide their residential address and contact information if necessary.
- The recent increase in security measures in Kazakhstan, following the tragic terrorist attack in Moscow, has been extended to the realm of education, with schools and universities being included in the list of public places under close surveillance.
- In the aftermath of the CrocusCity Hall attack in Russia, news outlets like General-news and Crime-and-justice have been reporting on the politicized nature of immigration policies in Kazakhstan, with some analysis suggesting that these policies could be influenced by current political factors.
- As Kazakhstan intensifies its crackdown on immigration rule-breakers, issues such as news about mass detentions and forced deportations of labor migrants, particularly Tajiks, have gained prominence in international general-news and Tajik-specific media outlets like Radio Ozodi.
