The Uzbek Uprising And Lukashenko's Fiasco
15- 16.07.2026, 7:46
- 8,332
The workers from Uzbekistan stayed in our country for one day.
The situation surrounding Uzbek nationals dissatisfied with Belarusian wages, who arrived in our country quite recently, continues to unfold. New articles are appearing in the Uzbek press about the dashed hopes of their compatriots, writes "Solidarnast".
The workers themselves, from the Andijan region, are recording videos about the conditions in which they have been housed in the Vitebsk region. Judging by the footage, the visitors have been placed in one of the dormitories, which has long been in need of repair.
Some, after seeing the situation for themselves, are recording messages for their fellow countrymen. One of the migrant workers, for example, says in a video that in Belarus, most of the local population works for a salary of about $300–400.
The man thanks his government for the opportunity to find work abroad, but warns anyone thinking of following his example: “Don’t forget one thing: no one is forcing you to go. First, carefully research the place you want to go to; ask around and find out what the working conditions and salary are like there. Then don’t go—and don’t complain.”
Did the pretty promises end in an unpleasant surprise?
An article with this headline was published on Vaib.uz. The send-off was accompanied by solemn ceremonies, flags, and grand statements. Officials assured citizens that they would be provided with decent working conditions, high wages, and social guarantees, the publication reports.
However, just a few days after their arrival in Belarus, videos recorded by the migrant workers themselves began appearing on social media.
The article emphasizes that there are many unclear aspects to this story. For example, why do workers only find out the actual salary, living conditions, and the requirement to pay for their own meals after they arrive?
“Shouldn’t all these conditions be explained in detail and specified in the employment contract before they even leave the country?” — the author of the article asks. And makes the following prediction:
— If the information published by the migrants is confirmed, this case could seriously undermine trust in organized overseas employment programs. After all, when people are promised decent working conditions and high salaries, but upon arrival they face a completely different reality, it raises uncomfortable questions.
Disappointment may await not only ordinary workers
As the “Vitebsk, I’m Walking” channel discovered, representatives of the Uzbekistan Small Business Association visited the Vitebsk region back in June, where they were shown farms in the Miorsky and Lioznensky districts.
As a rule, the discussions centered on unprofitable agricultural enterprises slated for liquidation. At the same time, the guests were promised land practically for free—a fact the state media chose not to report.
One of the guests, businessman Muzaffarkhon Musaev, recorded a video about the terms offered to entrepreneurs. He said that in a single day, the group was shown about five agricultural enterprises, four of which piqued the interest of potential lessees or buyers.
According to him, the participants were reviewing the contracts and had already begun processing the paperwork.
A video about the Uzbek delegation’s trip to the Miorsky District has been posted on the Small Business Association’s YouTube channel. In particular, Ivan Yurashek , deputy chairman of the district executive committee for agribusiness , showed the Uzbek entrepreneurs the “Yazno” and “Papshuli” farms, which are in the process of being liquidated.
Musaev described the offers from local authorities in Belarus as extremely favorable: a facility worth about $300,000 was allegedly being offered for $60,000. They promised up to two hectares of land per head of livestock, as well as an exemption from land tax for the first three years of operation.
According to him, a ready-made complex for 200 head of livestock, along with the land, could be leased for approximately $500.
The enthusiasm of the Uzbek businessmen is understandable, but they may face disappointment just like the ordinary workers from Uzbekistan. It’s one thing to acquire a run-down collective farm for one-fifth of the market price.
It’s an entirely different matter to navigate the intricacies of dealing with Lukashenko’s officials. This is precisely the kind of situation where they’ll cushion your fall gently, but the fall itself will be hard.
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