Kyrgyzstan’s authorities have filed a lawsuit with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) court against Russia, accusing it of violating the rights of Kyrgyz labor migrants.
Russia’s actions toward families of labor migrants violate Articles 96–97 of the EAEU agreement on social security for migrants, Azamat Mukanov, head of Kyrgyzstan’s Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, told a parliamentary committee (Jogorku Kenesh) on Tuesday, January 27.
At issue is the refusal by Russian authorities to issue free compulsory health insurance (OMS) policies to family members of foreigners who come to work in Russia. “Health insurance should also extend to the family members of labor migrants. This issue was also discussed during the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk,” Mukanov said. He added that the court is already reviewing Kyrgyzstan’s claim, with a decision expected in two weeks.
Russian authorities earlier changed the rules on medical care for labor migrants. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said foreign citizens would be entitled to free medical care only after five years of legal employment in Russia under the new rules. Amid tougher migration policies since 2024, millions of foreigners have left the country. Authorities in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and several other countries have advised their citizens not to travel to Russia.
