Effective management of migration processes and their proper regulation are among the priority areas of state policy. In this context, systematic work is being carried out to create favorable legal and social conditions for the population, protect the rights of labor migrants, ensure their decent employment abroad, and provide job opportunities for citizens returning to the motherland.

Together with international organizations, a modern system is being established in the country for migration management, the training of qualified personnel, and informing the population about the opportunities for legal migration.

What measures is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs taking in this regard? MFA Press Secretary Akhror Burkhanov answered this question in an interview with UzA:

– The passport is the property of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Its holder is under the protection of the state. Special attention is given to supporting our compatriots who are abroad for various reasons and to ensuring comprehensive protection of their lawful rights and interests.

In accordance with the Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan “On additional measures to regulate the processes of carrying out labor activities abroad”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with relevant agencies, is actively developing international cooperation to create decent conditions and expand opportunities for our citizens engaged in labor activities in foreign countries.

Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad are working to identify new areas of employment for compatriots. In particular, fruitful negotiations are regularly held with foreign employers and representatives of local authorities, constant analysis of the international labor market is carried out, and ties are being strengthened with citizens residing outside the country.

Consular services promptly process the necessary documents, ensure the protection of citizens’ rights, and, in the event of problematic situations, cooperate with the competent authorities of host countries for their swift resolution. All this contributes to a safer, more orderly, and more efficient flow of migration processes.

Today, about 60 percent of Uzbekistan’s population consists of citizens of working age. This significant labor force is a vital resource both for the country’s economy and for the international labor market. Given the high rate of demographic growth, the development of labor migration programs has become one of the priorities in ensuring employment and increasing the population’s income levels.

Over the past six months, more than 366 negotiations have been held with potential foreign employers, recruitment agencies, and business representatives, resulting in the creation of 97,000 new jobs for citizens of Uzbekistan. In addition, the visit of more than 53 representatives of foreign companies to Uzbekistan demonstrates the growing interest in cooperation with our country.

More than 80 meetings have also been organized with authorized bodies and organizations of foreign countries, as well as over 50 roundtables with our compatriots working abroad.

For legally regulating labor migration, drafts of 22 intergovernmental agreements have been prepared. In particular, agreements with Kuwait, France, and Italy have already been signed and entered into force. Drafts of another 13 agreements have been submitted to foreign partners for consideration.

The geography of international cooperation in labor migration continues to expand. Whereas in the past the leading destinations for the employment of Uzbekistan citizens were Russia, the Republic of Korea, and Germany, today promising labor markets have also emerged in countries such as Austria, the United Kingdom, the Gulf States, Poland, France, Italy, and others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to create favorable conditions for the safe and legal employment of citizens abroad, ensuring reliable protection of their rights and interests. However, the success of this process depends not only on the efforts of the state but also on the personal responsibility of each citizen.

It should be noted that despite the measures being taken, there are still cases where our compatriots find themselves in difficult situations abroad. In this regard, from July 30 to August 30, the humanitarian campaign “Return to the Motherland” is being held, within which hundreds of citizens from the United States, Russia, Türkiye, Poland, and other countries will be able to return home.

Wherever a citizen of Uzbekistan may be, they are always under the attention and protection of the state. In this context, it is essential to remember: each of our behaviors abroad directly affects the image of our country, for we are all representatives of Uzbekistan. Let us be worthy of this title!

Interviewed by Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA