Mirziyoyev stated that developing domestic production in Uzbekistan will reduce the need for citizens in labor migration

In the first half of 2026, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of citizens of Uzbekistan coming to Russia for work. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan continues to be the leading source of labor migration to the Russian Federation among Central Asian countries.

According to data from the Russian border service, during the period from January to June, citizens of Uzbekistan made over 1.1 million entries into Russia for employment purposes. This figure was 13.2% lower than in the same period last year.

Overall, the total number of labor entries from the three largest Central Asian countries—Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan—decreased by approximately 15%. In the first six months of 2026, about 1.9 million such trips were registered, compared to more than 2.3 million the previous year.

In terms of labor entries, Tajikistan ranks second with 494.5 thousand trips, and Kyrgyzstan ranks third with 289.1 thousand.

Experts cite several reasons for this decline. Among them are the tightening of migration legislation in Russia, the increase in the cost of patents for foreigners, the rise in medical examination costs, as well as increased expenses for accommodation and transport.

Concurrently, more and more migrant workers are considering alternative labor markets, such as South Korea, China, Middle Eastern countries, and European Union states. Furthermore, internal economic development and the attraction of foreign investment contribute to the emergence of new jobs within the republics themselves.

Legal specialists also point to increased control in Russia over compliance with migration norms. Failure to comply with the duration of stay or other requirements now more often leads to the inclusion of foreigners in the registry of controlled persons, which could potentially result in a ban on further stay and forced departure.

Additionally, Russian authorities are considering the possibility of introducing a requirement for migrants to mandatorily acquire a mobile phone with an electronic profile upon entering the country.

Uzbekistan authorities plan to hold a special meeting to address the problems faced by local exporters following attacks on Wildberries' warehouse facilities in Russia.

This information became known during a public dialogue organized by the Government Commission with entrepreneurs from the Khorezm region. A representative of the textile industry noted that damage to logistics facilities has significantly complicated the supply process and led to a decrease in export volumes. Previously, this enterprise, which employs 300 people, exported goods worth $3 million annually, but now it faces the threat of accumulating accounts receivable.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojaev reported that he has already discussed the current situation with the management of the trading platform. A separate meeting involving representatives of this platform is planned for Friday, August 7. Based on the results of this meeting, the authorities intend to develop a comprehensive systemic solution. Furthermore, the issue of potential debt has been assigned to be studied by representatives of the Central Bank and the Cabinet of Ministers.

Earlier, plans were announced to create the largest logistics center in Central Asia in Uzbekistan, which will be intended to facilitate the promotion of local producers' products to international markets.