Kyrgyzstan challenges Russia in EAEB court over migrant family insurance rights

Sanjarbek Isayev, Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (FOMS), has emphasized the critical importance of a pending ruling by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEB) Court regarding the denial of insurance policies to migrant families.

Isayev stated that this legal clarification would serve as a foundation for discussions within the Union and bolster Kyrgyzstan’s position in its ongoing dialogue with Russia.

“Russia is violating the agreement”

The Bishkek administration filed its application with the court on January 27, seeking a definitive clarification on whether the family members of migrant workers must be included under mandatory health insurance coverage.

The petition, filed by the Center for Judicial Representation under the Kyrgyz Ministry of Justice, identified the “interpretation of the provisions of the Eurasian Economic Union Agreement dated May 29, 2014” as the core of the dispute.

The Kyrgyz side is seeking to clarify whether member states are obligated to provide the families of migrant workers with access to mandatory health insurance on equal terms with their own citizens.

Azamat Mukanov, Chairman of the Kyrgyzstan Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, criticized Moscow’s current stance, asserting, “The Russian side is violating Articles 96 and 97 of the agreement by refusing to provide health insurance to the family members of migrant workers.”

Mukanov noted that the court is expected to announce its decision within two weeks.

Under Article 10 of the Russian Federation’s Mandatory Health Insurance Law No. 326-FZ, insurance rights are currently granted only to EAEB citizens who are actively employed.

Family members are not treated as a distinct category and remain excluded from insurance coverage unless they hold a temporary residence permit or a permanent residency certificate.

Within the EAEB—which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia—the court is tasked with ensuring a uniform interpretation of the union’s foundational agreements.

Nikita Pyzhikov, head of the Center at the Institute of International Economics and Finance of the Russian Foreign Trade Academy (VAVT), noted that the union’s core documents already mandate the provision of free emergency medical assistance.

Speaking to RBC, Pyzhikov highlighted the situation in Kyrgyzstan, pointing out that individuals often cannot access similar free health services even in their own home countries without paying specific contribution fees.