Mirziyoyev Urges Diplomats to Strengthen Protection of Uzbek Migrants Abroad

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed Uzbekistan’s diplomats to take a more active role in protecting the rights of citizens living and working abroad, amid growing public concern over reported abuses during migration checks and law enforcement raids in foreign countries.

The issue was discussed during a video conference chaired by the president on the performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions, the president’s press secretary said. Mirziyoyev noted that the continued presence of Uzbek citizens abroad without legal status remains a serious challenge.

In 2025, Uzbekistan secured a migration amnesty for more than 150,000 of its citizens in Russia. The president ordered officials to intensify negotiations with other countries to expand legal employment opportunities for Uzbek nationals, while emphasizing that migrants must strictly observe the laws of host states.

Mirziyoyev said assisting labor migrants, especially in countries experiencing a growing influx of Uzbek workers, should become a core responsibility of consular staff. He highlighted European countries in particular and called for simpler consular registration procedures and the removal of excessive bureaucracy.

Addressing reports of rights violations during foreign police raids, the president criticized the Foreign Ministry for limiting its response to formal diplomatic notes. He stressed that ambassadors and consuls must provide qualified legal assistance and actively defend the interests of Uzbek citizens.

The president also warned of risks facing young people and students abroad, including possible exposure to radical movements. He urged diplomats to move away from «cabinet diplomacy» and engage directly with citizens at workplaces, dormitories, and educational institutions.

As part of the new measures, Mirziyoyev ordered the creation of a free call center for citizens abroad in difficult situations to ensure rapid coordination with relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has not confirmed whether it has issued a diplomatic note in response to recent remarks by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov suggesting a «special military operation» in Central Asia. Parliamentary deputy Bobur Bekmurodov told Kun.uz that while it may be too early to assess the ministry’s response, such statements could justify declaring Solovyov an undesirable person in Uzbekistan.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said the country’s foreign policy concept needs a revision, including an update of its priority areas.