Tajikistan, Russia Simplify Medical Checks for Migrant Workers in Historic Deal

Tajikistan and Russia have signed a landmark agreement to streamline the medical examination process for Tajik migrant workers traveling to Russia.

The move is expected to ease bureaucratic hurdles, cut costs, and speed up labor migration procedures, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

The agreement was finalized during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to Dushanbe, as part of a broader set of cooperation documents between the two nations.

Tajikistan’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, Jamoliddin Abdullozoda, and Russia’s Minister of Health, Mikhail Murashko, signed the agreement allowing Tajik nationals to complete mandatory medical screenings in a designated facility in Dushanbe prior to employment in Russia. This will eliminate the need for repeat examinations upon arrival in Russia, while ensuring compliance with Russian health standards.

Alexey Kuznetsov, an aide to Russia’s health minister, revealed that medical screenings will be conducted at a specially established center in one of Dushanbe’s medical institutions. Although the service will incur a fee, the exact cost has not been disclosed.

Officials believe this development will reduce both costs and waiting times for migrant workers, while maintaining the required health protocols.

In a related agreement, Tajik Minister of Labor, Migration, and Employment, Soleha Kholmahmadzoda, and Russian Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Anton Kotyakov, signed a protocol updating the existing bilateral agreement on organized labor recruitment. Specific details of the amendments remain confidential.

These agreements form part of a wider effort to strengthen Tajik-Russian relations, with a total of 16 bilateral documents signed during President Putin’s visit. These cover a broad range of cooperation, including trade, security, and education.

Speaking at a joint press conference, President Putin highlighted the vital contributions of Tajik migrant workers to the Russian economy. He noted that more than one million Tajik citizens live and work in Russia, significantly supporting sectors such as construction, housing, transport, and logistics.

"The Russian government is committed to ensuring decent working conditions for Tajik citizens in our country," President Putin affirmed.