Uzbekistan repatriated 483 deceased citizens from abroad in 2024

In 2024, the bodies of 483 Uzbek citizens were brought back to Uzbekistan from abroad, according to the Migration Agency. Of these, 474 were repatriated from Russia, while the remainder came from Türkiye, South Korea, and Kazakhstan. The costs of repatriation were covered by the Uzbek government, as stated by the agency during a press conference on January 17.

At the briefing, Nigora Isroilova, a department head at the Migration Agency, explained the process and associated expenses:

"In 2024, the Migration Agency facilitated the return of 483 deceased citizens to Uzbekistan. The costs are fully covered by the state and vary depending on the country of origin. For instance, repatriation from Russia can cost up to $1,000, from the United Kingdom $4,000–$5,000, and from countries like Japan or South Korea up to $9,000.

It does not matter through which channel the deceased traveled abroad. If the individual is an Uzbek citizen and a request is made, the body will be returned to the homeland."

Reportedly, of the 483 bodies repatriated last year, 474 came from Russia, 5 from Türkiye, and 4 each from South Korea and Kazakhstan.