Uzbekistan is seeking broader labor migration cooperation with the countries of Europe, Asia and the Persian Gulf. This was discussed at a presentation attended by the president Wednesday.
Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction Botir Zakhidov said that the government had been tasked to create a system for assessing and validating skills of Uzbeks seeking overseas jobs.
"Work in this area has already begun. Pilot projects are underway to validate skills recognized in European countries, that is, to issue certificates and diplomas. Next year, we plan to significantly expand these projects," said Botir Zakhidov.
Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov underscored that a unified governmental migration platform would be created, integrating the systems of the Border Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, the Migration Agency, and others.
"The president gave directives to expedite the development of a mobile app that would provide convenience for Uzbeks working abroad." "It should facilitate the protection of their rights, help them find jobs, and inform them about regulation changes in the countries they're visiting," said Sherzod Shermatov.
Migration Agency Director Bekhzod Musayev underscored that short-term courses were being organized in each province at existing technical schools to support young people seeking to work abroad.
Deputy Foreign Minister Olimzhon Abdullayev stated that the presentation included instructions to expand the geography of migration and diversify destinations, and explore new market entry points.
"Goals for training the fellow countrymen for in-demand professions have been identified. We are working in collaboration with the Migration Agency in this area. Destination-countries in Europe, Asia, and the Persian Gulf have been identified. A draft decree outlining the new objectives is being drafted, and we are working in accordance with them," said Olimzhon Abdullayev.
In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan-bound remittances increased by 27% compared to the same period last year, reaching $8.2 billion. The bulk of these receipts came from Russia, but remittances from the EU, the US, and the UK are rapidly growing.
In August, the European Union opened a Migrant Resource Center in Tashkent. Japan vowed to hire 10,000 Uzbeks over five years. South Korea recently resumed accepting Uzbek seasonal workers on E-8 visas.
The UK also vowed to increase quotas for seasonal workers from Uzbekistan. A declaration on cooperation in labor migration was signed with Sweden.
During the first half of the year, 86,300 Uzbeks found jobs in more than 17 countries.
