Labour market - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kazakhstan Faces Doubling of Construction Industry Labor Shortage by 2030

Kazakhstan's construction sector is grappling with a significant labor shortage, with approximately 111,000 positions currently unfilled. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov warned at a recent government meeting that this figure is expected to double by 2030, forecasting a deficit of over 200,000 skilled workers in the industry. Bektenov highlighted that the most affected roles include plasterers, painters, welders, masons, and concrete workers - essential positions for the sector’s operations. While the construction industry ranks third among sectors facing workforce shortages, it holds a critical place in Kazakhstan’s economy. According to government forecasts, education leads in expected vacancies, with 331,000 unfilled positions projected by 2030, followed by trade at 228,000. Despite ranking behind these sectors in terms of unmet demand, construction contributes the most to Kazakhstan’s GDP among the three, accounting for 5.6% of the country’s total economic output, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction. This looming shortage poses challenges to sustaining growth in a sector vital to the nation’s development and economic stability.

Russia Migration Social Migrants Labour market migrants rights

Young Uzbek Men Dominate Russia’s Migrant Workforce in 2024

A recent analysis by the "Migrant Service" platform has outlined the profile of the average migrant worker in Russia for 2024. According to the study, the typical migrant is a 28-year-old married man from Uzbekistan, residing in or near Moscow. The survey, which included approximately 63,000 participants, revealed key demographic trends among migrant workers in Russia. Most respondents identified as Muslim men aged 28, though the age range spanned from 18 to 37 years. Uzbekistan Leads Migration Statistics The majority of migrant workers in Russia come from Uzbekistan, accounting for 55.4% of the total. Tajikistan follows with 39.89%, while Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan collectively contribute 4.82% of the migrant population. “For migrants, family and children are the highest priorities,” the analysts noted. This focus is reflected in remittance patterns: 67% of respondents send money to their families once a quarter, and 41% remit more than 50% of their income. Growing Demand for Migrant Labor The survey also highlights the increasing reliance on Central Asian migrants to address labor shortages in Russia. This trend, as previously reported by the Times of Central Asia, has been exacerbated by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which has intensified the demand for additional workers.

Education European Union Migrant Workers Labour market English Language Teachers

Tajik Migrants Embrace Free English Courses to Pursue Jobs in Europe

Tajikistan has launched a free English online course for migrant workers aiming for employment in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The course, developed in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Smarthub educational platform, is part of the UK Seasonal Worker Program. This initiative provides participants with an opportunity to enhance their language skills at no cost. According to the IOM, over 200 participants have already completed the program. The curriculum covers essential communication skills, ranging from basic phrases and personal introductions to professional vocabulary necessary for workplace interactions. This initiative comes as Tajikistan explores alternative destinations for labor migration, prompted by stricter migration rules in Russia and Western sanctions limiting access to its labor market. Increasing numbers of Tajik workers are finding employment in Germany, Poland, the Baltic States, Romania, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, approximately 1,000 Tajik citizens traveled to the UK for seasonal agricultural work, including fruit and vegetable harvesting.

Healthcare Growth Forecasts Labour market Population EDB Social protection

Central Asia’s Population Surpasses 80 Million, With Rapid Growth Expected to Continue

The population of Central Asia has reached a historic milestone, exceeding 80 million people as of December 2024. Projections indicate this figure could surpass 100 million by 2050, highlighting the region’s rapid demographic growth and the challenges it brings for sustainable development. Rapid Population Growth According to the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) macroeconomic forecast, Central Asia’s population has grown by nearly one and a half times over the past 24 years, increasing by approximately one million people annually. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan lead the region in demographic growth. Tajikistan’s population reached 10 million at the beginning of 2024, marking an 80% increase since 1991. Uzbekistan, the region’s most populous country, has maintained an annual growth rate of 1.1–1.2%, with its population now exceeding 36.7 million. The region as a whole has a youthful demographic profile, with an average age of 26.2 years. Diverging Population Estimates PopulationPyramid.net estimates Central Asia’s 2024 population at over 82 million. The discrepancy with other sources likely arises from differing methodologies and data collection techniques. Despite this, all sources agree that the population has surpassed the 80 million mark. Future Projections and Challenges Central Asia’s population is expected to exceed 100 million by 2050. However, rapid demographic growth presents serious challenges for the region. Key concerns include: • Sustainable Economic Development: Ensuring that economic growth keeps pace with population increases. • Job Creation: Addressing the needs of a growing labor force. • Quality of Life: Improving access to education, healthcare, and essential services. Managing these issues will be a top priority for state policies in the coming decades, as governments seek to balance population growth with sustainable development.

Legislation Employment Women's rights Labour market Social protection

Tajikistan Seeks to Reduce the List of Prohibited Professions for Women

Tajikistan is taking steps to further reduce the list of professions prohibited for women, cutting the number from 334 to 194 in 2024. This initiative aims to expand women’s access to employment opportunities in industries previously deemed unsuitable. According to Shakhnoza Nodiri, Deputy Minister of Labor, Migration, and Employment of Tajikistan, the decision aligns with efforts to modernize production, automate processes, and enhance workplace safety, thereby making previously restricted jobs accessible to women. The list of banned professions was initially established to protect women’s health from the risks of heavy and hazardous work. However, it is increasingly viewed as a barrier to women’s professional growth. The recent changes are informed by international standards and the recommendations of the European Union, particularly to align with GSP+ preferences, which promote gender equality in the labor force. “By revising this list, we are enabling women to access new opportunities and strengthen their economic position,” Nodiri emphasized. Previously, the list included 336 prohibited professions, such as work in underground mines and other roles involving hazardous conditions. With advancements in technology, automation, and improved workplace conditions, 142 professions have been deemed safe for women. However, restrictions remain for roles involving particularly heavy or harmful work. Data from the Labor and Employment Agency show that in 2024, 29,296 women were employed, marking a 1.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This reflects growing opportunities for women in the labor market. The government plans to continue reducing the list of prohibited professions, aiming to allow women to participate fully in all sectors of the national economy. Article 216 of the Labor Code of Tajikistan prohibits women from working in heavy and underground industries. Employers who violate these regulations face administrative fines. Ongoing labor law reforms seek to strike a balance between safeguarding women’s health and ensuring their right to work. As Tajikistan modernizes its labor policies, the country moves closer to achieving a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Migration Legislation Digitalization visas Labour market Digitization Digital Nomads

Kyrgyzstan Offers Digital Nomad Status to Foreign Specialists

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has signed legislative amendments introducing the status of Digital Nomad for foreign citizens working in information and communication technologies (ICT), software development, creative industries, and related areas. Digital Nomads are exempt from mandatory registration at their place of domicile in Kyrgyzstan, can obtain a personal identification number (PIN), do not need to obtain permits for work, enjoy the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity as an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity, and are allowed to open bank accounts. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, which spearheaded the amendments, this initiative aims to create favorable conditions for attracting digital nomads to Kyrgyzstan. It is expected to contribute to the development of innovative projects, the growth of high-tech industries, increased tax revenues, job creation, and tourism development. In neighboring Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that as of November 18, 2024, the country has enacted updated visa regulations to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Kazakhstan is introducing a Digital Nomad Visa, a single-entry electronic or multiple-entry paper visa for IT specialists, allowing long-term residence. Additionally, the Neo Nomad Visa offers extended stays to “neo-nomads” who have a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa must provide health insurance and proof of a clean criminal record.