Several Tajik migrants were held at Moscow's Vnukovo airport for several days and then deported back to their homeland without any explanation. This incident comes in the wake of the terrorist attack at "Crocus City Hall" on March 22, which led to increased scrutiny and pressure on labor migrants in Russia, particularly those from Tajikistan.
The situation escalated to the point where a formal protest note was delivered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to Tajikistan, expressing serious concerns about the mistreatment and violations of rights of Tajik citizens in Russia.
Currently, Tajik nationals are facing difficulties entering Russia, with many being detained at airports in Moscow, where their documents are thoroughly checked. While some are allowed entry, others are being sent back to Dushanbe. Apart from Vnukovo, the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted similar issues at airports like Zhukovsky, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo.
The problems extend to land borders as well, with reports of restrictions on entry into Russia through the Sargarchin checkpoint on the Kazakhstan-Russia border. This has resulted in long queues of over a hundred cars waiting for days.
On April 29, a flight from Moscow carrying deported Tajik migrants arrived. As they disembarked, it was evident that both the departing and receiving parties were distressed. The harsh weather conditions added to the somber atmosphere as some awaited their loved ones, while others rushed for their flights to Russia, into the unknown.
The migrants, especially the young men, expressed their challenges living in Russia post-terrorist attack and the mass deportations they now face. Many shared that they had no choice but to fly back to Russia as they couldn't get refunds for their tickets.
As the deportees began to exit the airport building, they avoided speaking to journalists. Airport staff informed that over 90 individuals were deported on that flight. One of the passengers, Rukhangiz Mirzoyev, who had worked in Russia for almost 20 years, was deported without any prior explanation, a situation he had never encountered before.
Despite being questioned during the deportation process, most passengers remained unclear about the reasons for their return. They were reluctant to divulge details and hurried past, avoiding any further interaction.
The tense atmosphere was palpable, with young men rushing past, fearing being targeted by authorities. Reports suggested that military personnel often patrol the area in search of conscripts.
