Tajikistan is finally addressing the mistreatment of Tajik nationals in Russia, following a surge in xenophobic attacks and comments after the Crocus City Hall attack on March 22.
On April 26, Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Semyon Grigoriev met with Tajik officials at the Foreign Ministry to discuss concerns about Tajik nationals facing problems at the Russian border, including widespread and unfounded entry refusals. The meeting included Deputy Foreign Minister Sodik Imomi.
A day later, the ministry advised citizens to temporarily avoid traveling to Russia.
Kyrgyzstan had issued a detailed warning to its citizens earlier, acknowledging increased xenophobic mistreatment of Tajiks, including deportations.
The main suspects in the Crocus City Hall attack, all Tajik nationals, showed signs of torture when they appeared in court. Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Mukhriddin condemned the torture three weeks later.
Political anthropologist Malika Bahovadinova stated that Tajikistani citizens face racialized violence in Russia and criticized the lack of protection from the Tajik government.
The Tajik government’s recent actions suggest a possible rupture in the relationship between Russia and Tajikistan, influenced by the mistreatment of Tajik migrants in Russia.
As of April 27, 954 Tajik citizens were held at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, with complaints about poor conditions and lack of food provided by Russian authorities.
The relationship between Russia and Tajikistan, based on migrant labor, is facing strain due to recent events, forcing Dushanbe to take action to avoid further deterioration.