Photo: collage from the tg-channel Region-70 Tomsk
Since August 2025, voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram have been blocked in Russia. Text messages, photos, and videos are still working, but calls are often interrupted, audio and video are distorted, or they don't go through completely.
For migrants from Tajikistan, who are used to communicating with their relatives through these apps, this has become a real problem. Now the usual "home" calls have become almost impossible. However, there are alternatives, including taking into account the proposals of Tajik companies.
Why did this happen?
Officially, Roskomnadzor explained the blockages by saying that foreign messengers had not fulfilled the requirements that were supposed to help prevent their use for terrorism and extremism.
The agency also stated that through these applications they could recruit people, sell drugs and distribute prohibited information.
How do I call you now?
There are several ways to continue communicating now:
– Stay in your usual messengers, but connect a VPN to bypass the blockages.
– Switch to alternative applications that still work without restrictions.
– Use classic communication – phone calls or SMS if messengers are unavailable.
I decided to switch to another application. Can you tell me which app is better?
Despite the fact that WhatsApp and Telegram remain the most popular communication apps, they are far from the only ones. Medusa has published a list of services that can be a good alternative.
What about the national, Tajik variants? There are such things too. These applications were created by Tajik mobile operators, and they are designed just for those who often call home.
How do I use Tajik apps while in Russia?
Most of these applications require a SIM card from the company whose application you are using. Exception: MegaFon Life.
So, which applications exist?
MobiGap from Babilon-Mobile
This application allows you to make free calls and video chat with other Mobi users. If you need to call regular Tajik numbers, the rates are very low: about ten dirams per minute within the network and slightly higher for other operators. The app works in Tajik, Russian and English, but you need a Babilon-Mobile SIM card to register.
"Chi Gap?" by Tcell
Another convenient solution is "Chi Gap?" Through which you can make calls for free inside the application, and calls to Tcell numbers cost about ten dirhams per minute, to other operators – about 12 dirams.
Registration is only possible with a Tcell SIM card, but the call quality is usually good.
Salom from ZET-Mobile
Salom allows you to communicate for free between the users of the application. Calls to numbers within the network cost about 10 dirhams, to other networks – 18 dirhams.
The application is popular among Tajik migrants in Russia, Turkey, the USA and Germany. It is convenient to use it if you often call home and want a stable connection.
MegaFon Life
MegaFon Life even works with SIM cards from other Tajik operators, although the full functionality is best available to MegaFon subscribers. Calls are free inside the app, and additional functions are also available: transfers, cashback, and tariff management. This makes it convenient for those who want everything in one app.
Tips for migrants
– If your family remains in Tajikistan, use your operator's app. This is the cheapest and most convenient option.
– If your family also lives in Russia and they have a Russian SIM card, it is better to purchase a Tajik one.
– The universal option is MegaFon Life, it works with any SIM card and combines calls, transfers and tariff management.
