Tajikistan received $5.8 billion in remittances in 2024 — a 27% increase compared to 2023, according to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), citing World Bank data, Asia-Plus reports.
The report notes that last year, remittances accounted for 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP, up six percentage points from the previous year. In 2023, remittances totaled $4.6 billion, equivalent to 39% of GDP.
Russia remains the primary destination for Tajik labor migrants. Citing data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the report states that as of August 2024, more than 1.2 million Tajik migrants were living in Russia — the second-largest migrant group in the country after Uzbek citizens (about 1.7 million).
“In 2024, employment restrictions affecting labor migrants continued to expand across the Russian Federation. By the end of the year, 49 out of 89 regions had introduced sector-specific bans prohibiting migrants from working in areas such as healthcare, education, social services, trade, and pharmaceutical manufacturing,” the report notes.
In parallel, a new presidential decree issued in Russia on December 30, 2024, introduced additional requirements for migrants, foreign nationals, and stateless persons listed in the national registry of monitored individuals.
“As of January 1, 2025, the new regulation obliges migrants and stateless persons to submit biometric data, undergo medical examinations, demonstrate knowledge of the Russian language and understanding of local laws, and confirm the absence of outstanding debts or entry bans.
Notably, exceptions apply to those who sign a military service contract. While this opens a legal path to stay in Russia, it may raise concerns within migrant communities, including among Tajik nationals, as some may feel pressured to enlist in the army to avoid deportation or legal uncertainty,” the report states.
Kazakhstan is cited as the second most significant destination for Tajik labor migrants. According to Kazakhstan’s Border Service of the National Security Committee, around 970,000 Tajik citizens entered the country in 2024.
The report also highlights employment opportunities for Tajik citizens in Uzbekistan and South Korea in 2024.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 13, 2025