The number of labor migrants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan entering Russia declined by 15 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, Vedomosti reported. During the first half of last year, citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan made more than 2.3 million entries into Russia for the purpose of employment. Kyrgyzstan ranked third with 289,100 entries for employment purposes, a decline of 16.7 percent. Citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are required to obtain a license — a document allowing them to work in Russia. Kyrgyz citizens can work in Russia based on an employment contract or a civil law contract, among other documents.