NOVOSIBIRSK–KEMEROVO, June 4. /Dunyo IA/. Delegation of Uzbekistan paid a working visit to Russia’s Novosibirsk Region and Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Migration Agency, the Youth Affairs Agency, and the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

During the visit, the delegation met with Yuri Petukhov, First Deputy Governor of the Novosibirsk Region, to discuss further expansion of cooperation in labor migration and interregional ties.

It was noted that Uzbek citizens accounted for 56 percent of all labor migrants arriving in the Novosibirsk Region in 2025. During 2025 and the first five months of 2026, nearly 30,000 work permits were issued to Uzbek nationals.

The Russian side highly praised the professionalism and work ethic of Uzbek specialists, emphasizing that there were no complaints regarding their performance and expressing interest in attracting more young qualified professionals from Uzbekistan.

At a meeting with Elena Zernyaeva, Human Rights Commissioner of the Novosibirsk Region, the parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in protecting the rights and legitimate interests of Uzbek citizens, promptly addressing emerging issues, and preventing legal violations. Particular attention was paid to ensuring decent working conditions, timely wage payments, and expanding advisory and information support for compatriots.

During talks with Nadezhda Boltenko, the regional Commissioner for Children's Rights, the parties discussed the repatriation of children left without parental care, access to education for the children of Uzbek nationals, and measures to strengthen their social protection. Both sides expressed readiness to intensify cooperation in these areas.

The delegation also met with Uzbek students studying at Novosibirsk State University. Currently, 90 Uzbek citizens are enrolled in physics and mathematics programs at the university. During the meeting, it was emphasized that the protection of their rights and interests remains a priority for the state.

In addition, members of the delegation visited several enterprises in the Novosibirsk Region employing Uzbek citizens and familiarized themselves with their working conditions. Compatriots shared their views and proposals regarding labor conditions, wages, and the cost of work permits.

As part of the visit to the Kemerovo Region, meetings were held with officials responsible for labor and social protection. The parties discussed the protection of the rights of Uzbek labor migrants, strengthening their social safeguards, and prospects for increasing the number of Uzbek workers in the region.

It was noted that around 3,000 Uzbek citizens are currently employed in the construction of the Siberian Cultural and Educational Complex. Their number is expected to increase to 4,000 in the near future.

During meetings with regional human rights and children's rights commissioners in Kemerovo, it was emphasized that the rights and legitimate interests of Uzbek citizens are being reliably protected, while violations of migration legislation have been reduced to a minimum.

The delegation also met with students of Kemerovo State University and compatriots employed in various sectors of the regional economy. More than 50 Uzbek citizens are currently studying at the university, mainly in technical fields.

Overall, the visit contributed to strengthening cooperation between the regions of Uzbekistan and Russia, protecting the rights of labor migrants, supporting students, and promoting regular engagement with Uzbek citizens living abroad.