In the first half of 2026, the number of labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan entering Russia decreased by 16.7% compared to the same period last year, totaling 289,100 trips. Kyrgyzstan retained its third-largest position among the main sources of labor migrants to Russia, after Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, 24.kg reports.
Overall, the number of labor migrants from the three Central Asian countries, from which they leave for work, decreased by approximately 15%—from over 2.3 million to approximately 1.9 million. Unlike citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, Kyrgyz citizens, as citizens of a Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member state, have the right to work in Russia without a patent. However, the situation in Russia and the introduction of new requirements for migrants is limiting the number of those willing to work.
The decline in migration flows reflects changes in both the Russian economy and in Central Asian countries. This trend is particularly important for Kyrgyzstan, as remittances from migrant workers traditionally remain a significant source of income for the population and support domestic demand.
At the same time, the decline in outmigration may indicate a gradual expansion of employment opportunities within the country due to high rates of economic growth and the development of construction, industry, and services.
At the same time, stricter migration requirements in Russia, increased controls over foreign labor, and the diversification of labor migration destinations, including Kazakhstan, South Korea, and the Persian Gulf countries, are also having an impact.
In the long term, the key task for Kyrgyzstan remains the creation of a sufficient number of high-paying jobs within the country, which will reduce the economy's dependence on external labor migration.
Meanwhile, the Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum was held in Issyk-Kul on August 6. It became a key platform for discussing investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Following the event, agreements and commercial contracts were signed in the fields of energy, industry, digital economy, tourism, transport, and agro-industrial complex, totaling $800 million.
The forum confirmed Bishkek and Moscow's commitment to expanding trade and economic ties, launching joint ventures, and implementing new investment projects within the Eurasian Economic Union.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 6, 2026