Seven citizens of Uzbekistan deported from the U.S. return home after diplomatic efforts

A few days earlier, it was reported that Uzbekistan was in contact with officials from the United States and Latin American countries regarding the safe deportation of its citizens. The country’s diplomatic missions in the U.S. emphasized their commitment to providing full assistance to all Uzbek nationals, regardless of their location.

On February 14, as part of an agreement between the two countries, the first deportation flight carrying individuals from several nations, including Uzbekistan, arrived in Panama. However, no information was disclosed regarding the number of Uzbek citizens on board.

On February 20, a group of 200 migrants — including citizens of Central Asian countries and India — who had illegally crossed the U.S. border, were sent to Costa Rica. This marked the second such operation following the Panama flight. These migrants are expected to remain in detention centers for up to six weeks before being repatriated to their home countries.

In December 2023, the U.S. deported 119 Uzbek citizens who had entered the country illegally. The U.S. Embassy urged Uzbek nationals to use “safe and legal” pathways for traveling to the United States and warned that those entering unlawfully would face “swift removal.” The embassy also emphasized that the U.S. is working closely with the Uzbek government to deport individuals who lack legal grounds to remain in the country.