The authorities of Uzbekistan have sent an interagency special group to Russia following the deaths of eight of the country’s nationals in Nizhnekamsk. It includes representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (МЧС), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (МИД), the Ministry of Health (Минздрав), the Migration Service (Миграционная служба), and other agencies. The announcement does not introduce new migration rules or additional obligations for Russian employers, but highlights the importance of having procedures in place for incidents involving foreign workers.
What is known about the special group and what has not changed for businesses
Following the incident in Nizhnekamsk, in which eight Uzbek nationals died, an interagency group from Uzbekistan has been sent to Russia. Its members are reported to include representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (МЧС), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (МИД), the Ministry of Health (Минздрав), and the Migration Service (Миграционная служба).
The published information does not report new requirements for hiring Uzbek nationals, changes to migration procedures, or specific new obligations for Russian companies. No separate deadlines for employers have been specified either.
Which processes are within the employer’s area of control
HR departments and site managers should have up-to-date contact details for employees and persons who should be notified in an emergency. This helps organize internal communication promptly, without replacing the work of emergency services and competent authorities.
At sites with increased risks, it is necessary to check whether personnel understand the procedure for responding to an accident, fire, and other emergencies. It is also useful to ensure separately that first-aid supplies are accessible, evacuation routes are unobstructed, and those responsible for safety know their action plan.
If an incident involves an employee or company site, the immediate priorities remain calling emergency services, documenting the circumstances, and internally notifying responsible persons. Unverified information about those affected should not be shared.
Interaction with authorities and consequences of organizational failures
When contacted by authorized authorities, an employer should provide documents and information within its competence and in accordance with applicable requirements. The materials do not specify the list of documents that may be requested in a particular case: it depends on the circumstances and requests of the competent authorities.
Lack of emergency preparedness may increase the risk of injuries and fatalities, disrupt site operations, and lead to claims during inspections or an investigation. If the company receives an official request, inadequate cooperation may result in consequences under applicable legislation.
What to check
- Check whether there are Uzbek nationals among employees and contractors connected with the incident in Nizhnekamsk.
- Update employees’ and trusted persons’ telephone numbers, as well as the internal emergency notification procedure.
- Conduct and document a briefing on actions to take in the event of an accident, fire, or other emergency.
- Check the accessibility of first-aid supplies and evacuation routes, and whether designated safety officers have been appointed.
- Remind department heads of the procedure for calling emergency services and notifying internal responsible persons in the event of an accident.
- When requested by authorized authorities, prepare documents and information within the scope of competence and legal requirements.