Central Asian migrants face xenophobic backlash in Russia after Moscow terror attack

Xenophobia Against Central Asian Migrant Workers in Russia

The recent terror attack on Moscow's Crocus City concert hall, carried out by four men from Tajikistan, has sparked a surge of xenophobia towards Central Asian migrant workers in Russia. Disturbing videos of police brutality towards the alleged attackers have circulated on Russian social media channels, exacerbating the situation. This wave of xenophobia has manifested in various ways, such as people canceling taxi rides if the driver is Tajik and directing abuse towards establishments where one of the attackers worked.

Putin's Delicate Position and Call for Unity

Russian President Vladimir Putin now finds himself in a delicate position regarding migrant workers, who play vital roles in the Russian workforce, especially during times of war. Putin has called for unity, emphasizing that Russia is a multicultural and multi-religious country where all citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, should be treated with respect.

Impact on Migrant Workers and Increased Calls for Legal Assistance

Migrants from Central Asian states, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan, have traditionally provided cheap labor in Russia, often filling jobs that many Russians consider beneath them. The money these migrants send back as remittances has played a significant role in stimulating economic growth in their home countries. However, in the wake of the attack and the subsequent xenophobia, many migrants feel threatened.

Valentina Chupik, a respected lawyer and migrant activist, has reported a sharp increase in calls for legal assistance from migrants in Russia. She believes that the attack is being used as a pretext for the mistreatment of migrants, with police engaging in racial profiling, unsubstantiated ID checks, and prolonged detentions under inhumane conditions.

Growing Xenophobia and Its Roots

The war in Ukraine has contributed to a rapid growth of xenophobia in Russian society, particularly among those who identify as Nazis or neo-Nazis. This conflict has given them a platform to express their views freely without facing criticism. Analysis of pro-war Russian Telegram channels following the attack revealed a clear emergence of xenophobic sentiments, with calls to boycott services provided by migrants and disdain towards them.

Economic Importance of Migrant Workers

Migrant workers from Central Asia are crucial for various sectors of the Russian economy, filling jobs that are essential for stability and growth. Sectors like construction, transportation, and retail rely heavily on their labor. The Russian economy has faced a shortage of around 4.8 million workers, with the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent mobilization of Russian men exacerbating the situation.

Putin's Fine Line and Relations with Tajikistan

Following the attack, Putin and his advisors have attempted to level accusations that Ukraine was somehow involved, despite lack of concrete evidence. However, Putin has refrained from blaming Tajikistan, even though evidence suggests that the attackers were radicalized by ISIS-K, a jihadist group known to recruit in Tajikistan. This is likely due to the delicate nature of Russia-Tajikistan relations, as Tajikistan is one of Putin's closest allies. In a world where Russia is isolated and Putin has few allies, he must be cautious not to create enemies out of friends.

Overall, the recent terror attack in Moscow has fueled xenophobia towards Central Asian migrant workers in Russia. This has created a challenging situation for Putin, who seeks to maintain unity while addressing the concerns of both the Russian population and the migrant workers who contribute significantly to the country's economy.