Russia continues to pass anti-migrant laws that are officially aimed at citizens of countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union. However, Kyrgyzstanis are also facing the consequences of these initiatives and growing anti-migrant sentiments, Radio Azatlyk reported.
The State Duma reportedly recently passed a law that allows police officers to make decisions on the deportation of migrants, which previously only a court or the Border Service could do. A requirement for mandatory military registration to obtain Russian citizenship has also been introduced. Amendments are also being considered that would increase the length of military service for men with new citizenship to two years and raise the draft age.
Kyrgyz officials, such as Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, continue to claim that the new laws will not affect Kyrgyzstanis if they are in Russia legally. However, the reality is quite the opposite, as many migrants report discrimination, abuse and violation of their rights, especially at the Sakharovo migration center.
At the end of July, Russian MPs proposed banning migrants from working in education, medicine and other sectors that require a high level of professionalism. These measures could limit the employment opportunities of Kyrgyzstanis working, for example, in Moscow pharmacies or medical institutions.
In Kyrgyzstan, questions are increasingly being raised about the advisability of membership in the EAEU, especially against the backdrop of new restrictions for migrants. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov noted that if Kyrgyzstanis are equated with migrants from third countries, this will call into question the meaning of the country’s participation in the EAEU.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reported that over the past year and a half, the number of migrants from Kyrgyzstan in Russia has decreased by 400 thousand people. The main reasons for this decline were the deterioration of the economic situation in Russia, the decline in migrants’ incomes, and the tightening of migration legislation.
Thus, despite the assurances of the authorities, Kyrgyzstanis in Russia are facing increasing restrictions and discrimination, which calls into question the benefits of Kyrgyzstan’s participation in the EAEU and necessitates a reassessment of this integration.
