Uzbek workers leave Russia in droves after new migrant income law

September 13, 2026 at 12:45 PM2 min

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More than 96,000 Uzbek citizens returned to Uzbekistan between August 25 and September 5, according to the Uzbek Migration Agency. The exodus follows Russia's tightening of migrant policies, including a new law requiring foreign workers to earn above regional subsistence levels. The departures are straining Russia's labor market, which already has over 2.5 million open positions.

Key Facts

Between August 25 and September 5, 96,000 Uzbek citizens returned to Uzbekistan, including 54,885 directly from Russia and 41,530 via Kazakhstan.
A new Russian law signed by President Vladimir Putin on July 26 requires foreign workers to earn above the regional subsistence minimum for themselves and their dependents.
In Moscow, a family of four must earn more than 100,000 rubles per month to meet the income threshold, which is above the average earnings of many migrant workers.
Migrants who fail to meet the income requirement have their work and residence permits revoked and must leave Russia within 15 days.
Russia's labor market has over 2.5 million open positions, and the departure of Uzbek workers is expected to deepen staff shortages in construction, logistics, cleaning, and municipal services.

Mass Return of Uzbek Workers

The Uzbek Migration Agency reported that more than 96,000 Uzbek citizens returned to Uzbekistan between August 25 and September 5. Of those, 54,885 departed directly from Russia, while 41,530 traveled through Kazakhstan. Experts attribute the exodus to the ruble's depreciation, high inflation, security concerns, and the new migrant law that took effect on July 26. The Uzbek government is supporting the return of citizens facing financial hardship through its missions in various Russian cities and is creating employment platforms for returnees.

New Income Requirements

President Vladimir Putin signed a regulation requiring foreign workers to earn above the regional subsistence minimum for themselves and their dependent family members. In Moscow, a family of four must have a monthly income exceeding 100,000 rubles to meet the threshold. Thousands of migrant workers whose average earnings fall below this level are unable to remain in the country. Migrants who do not meet the income requirement have their work and residence permits revoked and are given 15 days to leave Russia.

Impact on Russian Labor Market

Uzbek workers previously concentrated in construction, logistics, cleaning, and municipal services, and their departure is causing alarm in the Russian economy. Russia's labor market has over 2.5 million open positions, and the latest migration wave is expected to deepen staff shortages in these sectors.