A video filmed in the Moscow region has sparked public outrage after a Russian man verbally assaulted a taxi driver from Uzbekistan, calling him a “slave of Russians.” According to Minval, the incident took place in the courtyard of a residential complex in the town of Khimki, where the resident told the driver that he was “not at home” and had come to Russia “because there is nothing in Uzbekistan.”
The footage has triggered a wave of discussion in both Russia and Uzbekistan, where labor migration remains a vital economic issue. In response, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, without directly referencing the video, reaffirming that all Uzbek citizens are under the protection of the state, regardless of their location.
“The Republic of Uzbekistan, in accordance with its Constitution, national legislation, and international obligations, has a duty to safeguard the rights, freedoms, and dignity of its citizens abroad,” the ministry stated.
Authorities also urged Uzbeks whose rights are violated abroad to immediately report incidents to local law enforcement and to seek assistance from Uzbek diplomatic missions or consulates. “Protecting the rights and interests of our citizens abroad is a key priority of our state policy,” the ministry emphasized.
The incident comes amid broader policy shifts in Russia concerning foreign nationals. Starting September 1, authorities in Moscow and the surrounding region will roll out a new digital monitoring system for migrants. According to the Multifunctional Migration Center in Sakharovo, citizens from Central Asia and other countries will be required to install a mobile application called Amina, which will manage functions such as residence registration, address changes, and work permit payments.
