Between Hope and Danger: Stories of Female Migrants from Central Asia Who Disappear and Die in Turkey

Tens of thousands of women from Central Asia come to Turkey for work. However, the tightening of migration rules and the lack of legal status often push them into isolated domestic work, where they become completely dependent on employers — and vulnerable to violence. Their disappearances, exploitation, and murders point to a crisis that remains almost unnoticed outside their communities. About them — in the material by Azattyq.
At the beginning of the year, the decapitated bodies of two Uzbek citizens were found in Istanbul — Durdona Khakimova and Sayyora Ergasheva. Their bodies were dumped in garbage containers. The brutal crimes sparked protests across Turkey. Women’s organization activists took to the streets, declaring the systemic insecurity of women — especially migrants.
        

«It’s inhumane. These people should rot in prison,» says one of the relatives of the deceased Durdona. «She came here just to work… These girls are not guilty of anything.»

         Violence against women in Turkey continues to rise. According to the independent Center for Social and Political Studies, in 2025, 420 women were killed, and another 508 died under suspicious circumstances.
Despite the protests, the crimes continue. While society was discussing the double murder committed in January, on March 2, in the forest of Balıkesir province, the remains of another woman were discovered. 
Presumably, this is an Uzbek migrant who disappeared two months earlier. The results of the DNA examination have not yet been published.

From Opportunities to Vulnerability

For a long time, Russia remained the main destination for labor migration from Central Asia. However, after the economic crisis of 2014, more and more people began choosing Turkey — due to the visa-free regime, more lenient rules, and cultural proximity.
The flow of migrants, especially women, increased sharply. Many found work as nannies, caregivers, or domestic workers.
But over time, the situation changed. Amid economic difficulties and growing anti-immigrant sentiments, Turkish authorities tightened their policies. Since 2022, they have been stricter in issuing visas and residence permits, as well as more actively combating illegal employment.
The Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Istanbul, Arslan Tokobaev, provides figures in a conversation with the Kyrgyz service of RFE/RL:
«According to our data, about 4,700 Kyrgyz citizens were deported in 2024. The statistics for 2025 are still being clarified, but the figure may be about the same. Due to the tightening of laws, the number of residence permits issued has sharply decreased.»
As a result, thousands of people find themselves in the shadow economy — without legal protection.
        

«Those who work at home sometimes do not go outside for 3–5 years. Some work 24 hours a day without rest. Since they have no documents, they cannot protect themselves,» says Ryskul, a Kyrgyz activist in Turkey.

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