Murder, drugs, crime, and illegal migration: Are Uzbeks in Turkey satisfied with their lives?

Uzbekistan–Turkey relations have been developing rapidly in recent years. A new chapter opened between the two countries in 2016 has now reached the level of strategic partnership. On January 29 this year, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid his first foreign visit of 2026 to Turkey, where the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held. As part of the visit, the foundation stone was laid in Istanbul for what is described as the world’s first Uzbek school. This reflects the growing number of Uzbek citizens in Turkey and aims to provide them with adequate conditions, most importantly the opportunity and right to receive education in their native language.

According to unofficial data, more than 130,000 Uzbeks currently live, work, or study in Turkey. Of these, around 17,000 have official work permits, while more than 60,000 have obtained residence permits. This group includes those who are married to Turkish citizens, as well as those who live or study in the country.

When discussing the legal status of Uzbeks living and working in Turkey, another important aspect should not be overlooked. Uzbek citizens are allowed to stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. After this period, they are required to register with the country’s migration authorities. However, they cannot always resolve this issue independently. Employers must submit official employment confirmation and insurance documents to the migration authorities. Many employers avoid doing so to escape additional tax burdens and legal responsibility. As a result, migrants often agree to informal arrangements in exchange for maintaining their wages.

Today, Uzbek labor migrants can be found in many countries around the world, and for years Turkey has been a destination for thousands of Uzbeks seeking work, education, and livelihood. Istanbul stands at the center of this process. Recently, the QALAMPIR.UZ team visited Istanbul and spoke with Uzbek citizens living in Aksaray and Laleli, two areas with a high concentration of Uzbek residents. They spoke openly about the challenges they face, including documentation issues, working conditions, safety, and societal attitudes.

Nearly all survey participants agreed on one point: without proper documents, everything becomes more difficult. Finding a job, moving freely, renting housing, and even managing everyday life becomes complicated. In recent years, rising costs for legal documentation and increasing rental prices have made life even harder for migrants.

As a result, some are forced to return to Uzbekistan after being unable to remain in Turkey for long, while others leave and later return again.

“If you have documents, you work; if you work, you enjoy the benefits,” one interviewee said.

Opinions differed regarding regular police raids targeting illegal migration. Some respondents said they had been stopped but released without issues because their documents were in order. Others admitted that they try to hide as soon as they notice police nearby. The general conclusion was that for those living legally and holding proper documents, there is no serious threat in Turkey.

By contrast, those without documentation or involved in illegal activities create problems both for themselves and for others.

In recent months, crimes involving Uzbek citizens, either as victims or perpetrators, have increasingly alarmed the public. The safety of foreigners living in Turkey, including Uzbeks, has been a matter of concern for several years. In particular, the case of Uzbek citizen Durdona Hakimova, who was killed in Istanbul on January 24 by two fellow nationals, raised many questions. This incident was not only a personal tragedy but also renewed concerns about safety for thousands of Uzbeks living and working in Turkey. Cases involving the deaths of women have shocked not only the Uzbek community but also Turkish women’s groups and activists.

According to survey participants, the involvement of some Uzbeks in crime or illegal lifestyles negatively affects the reputation of the entire community.

“Because of one person’s mistake, everyone else comes under pressure,” respondents said.

At the same time, interviewees stressed that it is wrong to associate crime with nationality. They noted that many Turkish women have also defended the rights of Uzbek women and held protests in response to such incidents. This, they said, shows that the issue is not ethnic but social and moral in nature.

One of the most painful issues acknowledged during the survey was the way Uzbeks treat one another. Some respondents complained about betrayal, envy, jealousy, and mistrust. Instead of mutual support in workplaces, there are cases where fellow nationals create additional problems for each other. At the same time, it was noted that the situation is not the same everywhere and that there are also communities where mutual assistance and solidarity exist.

Most respondents assessed the attitude of the Turkish government and society toward Uzbeks as positive.

“If you live legally, no one discriminates against you,” said a compatriot who has lived in Turkey for many years.

It was also emphasized that Turks generally view Uzbeks as historically and culturally close, often showing a warm and friendly attitude.

The full report can be viewed in the video player above or on QALAMPIR.UZ’s YouTube channel.