Hundreds of Tajiks have been stuck in the neutral territory between the Russian-Kazakh state borders for several days. Russian border guards are turning them back, citing a system failure, while also letting in children, the over-60s and citizens of other countries. For those who want to return, the Kazakh border guards require a document stating that they are not allowed to enter Russia.

Hundreds of Tajiks who want to enter Russia from Kazakhstan complain that they have been stuck for several days at the "Sargarchin" checkpoint on the border of Kazakhstan's South Urals and Russia's Orenburg regions, Asia-Plus reported.

Russian border guards say there is a "system failure," but are allowing children, the elderly and citizens of other countries to enter.

Meanwhile, Russian border guards are asking Tajiks to leave the neutral zone and return to Kazakhstan. Border guards of Kazakhstan are demanding a document - an act, which is the basis for the exclusion of Tajiks from Russia.

"Only Tajiks are not admitted"

Video messages sent by Tajik migrants say that since April 22, about 180 cars with Tajik license plates and people, including many women and children, have been stuck at the Kazakhstan-Russia border.

"About 1,000 Tajiks are not allowed into Russia. We are stuck between Kazakhstan and Russia. Other citizens are allowed in, only Tajiks are allowed. About 180 cars, most of them with Tajik license plates. There are 5 to 10-12 passengers in each car, most of them are women. and children," said one of the migrants.

They are checking their phones and interrogating them

Migrants say that the Russian government is interrogating each citizen of Tajikistan individually and checking their phones.

" We asked the border guards why they are not allowing us to cross, they answered that the system is not working. When we asked the Tajiks if they are not working, they said that it is none of your business, go and wait," said one of the Tajik immigrants who was stuck in the middle.

He also noted that the employees of the checkpoint are passing children under 14 years old and people over 60 years old to Russia without waiting in line, while the rest are forced to stand and wait.

According to the data, only 10-12 cars were imported into Russia within 24 hours, and 20 within two days.

Tajik immigrant: "There is no dust, water or bread here, people are sitting in three rows of cars."

Another citizen sent a video of volunteers bringing food and water to stranded people.

One of the Tajik immigrants who crossed the border of Kazakhstan to renew their documents wrote that they were not allowed into Russia. According to him, he was told at the checkpoint: "Until there is an order from the inside (meaning inside of Russia - ed .), we will not let citizens of Tajikistan in."

"Whether you are from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or another nationality, they will pass you, but not Tajiks," he said, referring to the words of the checkpoint staff .

Consequences of the "Crocus" tragedy

Russia has not yet explained the reason for the restrictions on the entry of citizens of Tajikistan through the Orenburg border. The government of Tajikistan has not yet commented on this issue.

However, in the opinion of some Tajik immigrants, these actions were caused by the vandalism in " Crocus City Hall " . At that time, 11 citizens of Tajikistan were arrested and detained as suspects.

Russia is one of the main countries where Tajik immigrants go to work. However, after the "Crocus" tragedy, control and pressure especially on Tajik immigrants increased.