Russia Orders 770,000 Migrants to Leave Amid Crackdown

• Oct 14, 2025

Russia has ordered about 770,000 migrants, mostly from Central Asia, to leave the country following the expiry of their stay permits in September. The directive marks one of the biggest deportation moves in recent years, reflecting Moscow’s toughening stance on foreign labourers.

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced on October 13 that the affected migrants were listed as “controlled persons” under a registry managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to Volodin, one-third of those on the list are women and children. “A new migration regime—deportation—is now in effect for them,” he stated.

The new rules impose strict restrictions on those ordered to leave. Such individuals are now barred from getting driver’s licenses, buying or selling property, getting married, opening bank accounts, or managing savings. They are also prohibited from sending or receiving money transfers.

The crackdown on migrants has intensified throughout 2025, with critics accusing Russian authorities of fostering xenophobia. Reports have surfaced of harassment and street vigilante groups targeting Central Asians, though officials have denied any state involvement.

Volodin also revealed that around 35,000 foreigners were deported between January and August this year for violating Russia’s immigration laws. The registry of “controlled persons” was introduced in February, shortly after a terrorist attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in March 2024. Four Tajik nationals are currently on trial for the assault, which killed more than 140 people.

Russian authorities have since tightened surveillance, including the gradual rollout of a mandatory mobile app for labour migrants that tracks their location in real time.

At the Central Asia–Russia summit in Dushanbe on October 10, President Vladimir Putin briefly addressed the issue, saying Russia values migrant labour but expects full compliance with its laws. “Russia is interested in its labour force, but it’s important that it meets our needs,” Putin said. “People must live in decent conditions and comply with our regulations.”

Putin noted that over one million Tajik migrants work in Russia, many in construction, utilities, transport, and logistics. He acknowledged their contribution to the economy but also stressed the need to prioritise Russian citizens.

Despite growing tensions, Kremlin officials have admitted that Russia still relies heavily on migrant workers. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously said the country’s shrinking population makes migrant labour “a necessity” to sustain its economy.