In a remote town in southern Kyrgyzstan, teacher Nur Akhmatov watched workers build libraries, conference halls and women's sports centers – the building was funded primarily by Kyrgyz immigrants, sending money home from Russia.
Batman’s project is a snapshot of the importance of immigration labor to Central Asian economies.
Remittance flows to the region last year appeared in record volumes, according to World Bank data.
Among the migrant workers living abroad, the highest $3 billion entered Kyrgyzstan, accounting for 25% of the country's GDP.
In neighboring Tajikistan, the $6 billion constitutes half of its GDP, the highest level in the world.
Uzbekistan, the most populous country in the region, received $14.8 billion in revenue, accounting for 14% of GDP.
“When I worked in Moscow, I donated 300 SOM per month,” said Akhmatov, who is supervising the construction of his hometown buildings.
He said that about 1,500 immigrants have contributed recently to building a new school at Batman, with an average salary of about $235.
A new sports center is the special pride of teacher Abazbek Abdinabiyev.
“The kids will play in the dust… Now we have this, and the court,” he told AFP, showing off the bright blue and yellow indoor sports fields.
“The contributions made by immigrants are huge. Despite being far away, they all help ensure that their children and brothers can have this opportunity,” Abdinabiyev told AFP.
– “The Responsibility of Every Citizen” –
In recent months, local currencies have slipped against the Russian ruble, increasing the consumption capacity of migrant workers sent back.
The Kyrgyz government estimates that the country's poverty rate will increase from 29% to 41% without remittances.
The government cannot fund such projects alone and encourage donations.
“It is the responsibility of every citizen to beautify the country,” a government banner extends to the road to Mehrobod in northern Tajikistan.
Villager Abdukakhor Majidov said: “Every region is trying to solve its own problem: keep our children going to school and keep the streets clean and well maintained.”
Around him, the crew on the rollers and shovels were smooth on the ground before /tarking.
Last year, a new school and bridge were completed.
“Once a street is repaired, we keep moving forward,” said Majidov, who is in charge of the fundraising campaign.
– “Less Immigration” –
But since Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, the attraction of leaving Russia has lost some.
While Russia's weapons factories are booming and job opportunities are abundant, many are worried about fighting in Ukraine.
Moscow said last month that about 20,000 Central Asian immigrants who have obtained Russian citizenship have served in the military.
The recruitment sparked strong opposition from traditional Russian allies in the region.
Tajik President emomali rakhmon expressed concern about “hundreds of repatriation coffins returned from Russia” without designating his designation, which was filled with those who left “make money for their families.”
Anti-immigration sentiment in Russia has also surged after Russia arrested four Tajiks, as Russia's deadliest terrorist attack in two decades was the criminals of the 2024 massacre.
In addition to the surge in violence and street harassment, Moscow has passed laws that make it easier to deport immigrants.
According to statistics from Bishkik, Kadyrbek Tashimbekov, 29, is a statistics from Bishkek, leaving Russia (willing or force) between 2023 and 2024.
Exodus accounts for more than half of all Kyrgyz immigrants living in Russia.
“After working there for eight years, I was fired,” he told AFP. Now he runs the crane and picks up the beams for Batman's new school framework.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has pledged to encourage labor immigrants to return to the country.
Meanwhile, locals want to use their funds to improve living standards at home and break the immigration cycle.
Three former immigrants AFP spoke with – Abdinabiyev, Akhmatov and Tashimbekov all said their salaries were growing at home and they did not intend to return to Russia.
“We are building this and hopefully if we have such a center, we will train them in the right profession, mentor them,” Akmatov said.
“Maybe there will be fewer immigrants.”
BK/GDE-MMP/JC/LTH
