Kyrgyzstan is strengthening labor migration ties with Japan as part of a broader strategy to diversify employment opportunities for its citizens abroad. The Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration is working to establish safe, legal, and skills-based pathways for Kyrgyz workers to access the Japanese labor market, in line with international labor standards and Japan’s workforce demands.
On July 2, officials from the Ministry’s Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad met in Bishkek with representatives from the Japan Association for Construction Human Resources (JAC), an organization that facilitates the recruitment of specified skilled workers in Japan’s construction sector.
The two sides discussed plans to create a specialized training center in Kyrgyzstan to prepare construction professionals according to Japanese industry standards. They also agreed to develop free Japanese language courses to enhance the employability of Kyrgyz job seekers.
In May, Kyrgyz Minister of Labor Ravshanbek Sabirov held talks with Hitoshi Kanamori, President of IM Japan, the largest Japanese organization overseeing the technical intern training program. The discussions focused on expanding structured employment pathways for Kyrgyz nationals in Japan.
The Kyrgyz side reiterated its commitment to training workers in fields currently in high demand in Japan, including IT, social services, hospitality, and skilled trades such as welding. Both parties stressed the importance of integrating vocational training with Japanese language instruction.
Minister Sabirov also emphasized the need to ensure labor protections for Kyrgyz citizens working abroad.
“It is important that Kyrgyz specialists not only secure employment but also have access to social insurance, legal protection, and consistent communication with Kyrgyz government bodies,” he said.
While Russia remains the primary destination for Kyrgyz labor migrants, recent years have seen growing interest in alternative destinations such as Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and parts of Europe.
