News about migrants: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.
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President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon signed the new Migration Law on October 21, published in the parliamentary newspaper Sadoi Mardum. For the first time, the country has set a minimum age of 18 for going abroad to work; the requirement also applies to foreigners coming to work in Tajikistan.
Otabek YusupovMigrant organizations in Germany sent an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and state premiers demanding the creation of legal, administrative and financial mechanisms to protect migrants before a possible government formation involving the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party won 43.8% in the September 6 election.
Otabek YusupovOn October 19, 2026, Greek authorities reported the deaths of 12 migrants in two incidents in the Aegean Sea: off Lesbos, a speedboat collided with a police patrol vessel, and off Samos a boat capsized. Twenty-two people were rescued, and a suspect in organizing the crossings was detained. Officials blamed the smugglers.
Otabek YusupovA boat carrying migrants heading to Europe via the Atlantic route sank near Jinack Island in Gambia. According to the Gambia Red Cross Society, at least 12 people died, and the number of missing remains uncertain.
Aziz KarimovThe administration of St. Petersburg has banned foreign citizens working on the basis of a work patent from employment in medicine, hairdressing, cosmetology, retail trade, and physical culture. The restrictions are in effect until the end of 2026 and do not apply to citizens of EAEU countries or foreigners with a work permit. Employers have been given a deadline of December 15. The authorities explain the measures as a fight against informal employment.
Aziz KarimovRussia's Interior Ministry has submitted a bill exempting foreign workers recruited by residents of advanced development territories from confirming knowledge of Russian, history and the basics of legislation. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, there are 18 such territories: 16 in the Far East and two in the Arctic zone. Earlier, certain categories of migrants were already exempted from the exam, while for others the requirements were tightened from 2025.
Aziz KarimovThe authorities of St. Petersburg have expanded the list of activities in which the use of foreign workers on a patent basis is prohibited until the end of 2026. The restrictions cover retail trade, beauty salons, hairdressing salons, massage and sanatoriums. Businesses have been given until December 15 to bring their staff in line with the new requirements.
Otabek YusupovLDPR deputies have prepared a bill proposing to organize paid education for children of foreign citizens and stateless persons in grades 10–11 of Russian schools. The proposal is to amend Article 78 of the law 'On Education in the Russian Federation': foreigners will be able to receive free secondary education only under international treaties or federal laws. No restrictions on secondary vocational education are envisaged. The initiative remains a bill for now.
Aziz Karimov
