Migrant Workers - The Times Of Central Asia

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Bilateral Relations

Slovakia Opens Job Opportunities for Kyrgyz Bus Drivers

The Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad, operating under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, has begun registering candidates for bus driver positions in Slovakia. The Center has signed an agreement with INDEX NOSLUS s.r.o., a Slovak company specializing in human resources management and international recruitment. “This agreement aims to strengthen bilateral ties in labor migration and create reliable conditions for Kyrgyz citizens working in Slovakia,” the Employment Center stated. Kyrgyz authorities believe the partnership will significantly increase the number of legal employment opportunities for Kyrgyz workers while ensuring transparent hiring conditions and social security protections. Plans include the development of joint programs for recruitment, training, and worker support. As part of the current recruitment process, the Employment Center will invite 50 candidates, from which 15 will be selected to work for a Slovak transportation company. Applicants must be Kyrgyz citizens between 22 and 50 years old, have experience in passenger transport, and possess a clean criminal record and no chronic illnesses. According to Slovak employment terms, workers will be paid €7.40 per hour, resulting in an average net monthly income of approximately €1,200. The Kyrgyz authorities guarantee official employment registration and social protections for those hired. Six months ago, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Nurlanbek Shakiev, met with Kyrgyz labor migrants in Slovakia during an official visit. According to Shakiev, an estimated 4,000 Kyrgyz citizens are currently employed in Slovakia. Kyrgyz officials are also considering the opening of an embassy in Slovakia to support and protect the interests of Kyrgyz nationals working there. In addition to Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Italy have also signed official agreements with Kyrgyzstan for seasonal employment programs. Today, tens of thousands of Kyrgyz workers are employed in these countries.

Migrant Workers

More Kyrgyz Labor Migrants Head to the UK

The number of Kyrgyz citizens working as seasonal agricultural laborers in the UK has continued to rise, reaching 8,131 in 2024, up from 5,200 in 2023 and 1,492 in 2022. These figures were announced by Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, Ravshanbek Sabirov, during a January 28 meeting with the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Nicholas Bowler. Expanding Labor Migration Cooperation The meeting focused on Kyrgyz-British cooperation in labor migration. Minister Sabirov requested the ambassador’s assistance in increasing the quota for Kyrgyz seasonal workers and reducing additional fees associated with British visa applications. Ambassador Bowler acknowledged the discipline and reliability of Kyrgyz migrant workers, noting that they return home in the same numbers as they arrive, complying with UK immigration laws. Economic Impact and Employment Conditions According to Minister Sabirov, remittances from Kyrgyz workers in Britain’s agricultural sector are expected to exceed $100 million. He emphasized that even with a relatively small workforce, these remittances significantly contribute to Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth. The Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor’s Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad, which oversees seasonal labor placements in the UK, reports that Kyrgyz workers receive a wage of £11.44 per hour and are guaranteed a minimum of 32 hours per week. In Britain, most Kyrgyz migrants are employed on strawberry farms. Shift Away from Russia For the past 30 years, Russia has been the primary destination for Kyrgyz labor migrants, with estimates ranging from 500,000 to over a million. However, Russia’s economic downturn, stricter migration policies, and increasing hostility toward Central Asian workers have prompted many Kyrgyz migrants to seek alternative destinations. As a result, more Kyrgyz workers are heading to Kazakhstan, Turkey, Germany, South Korea, the United States, and Great Britain, reflecting a broader shift in Kyrgyzstan’s labor migration patterns.

Migrant Workers

Migrants from Kyrgyzstan Anticipate Tougher Conditions for Work in Russia

A majority of Kyrgyz citizens believe that working conditions for migrants in Russia will deteriorate significantly in the near future, according to a recent survey by the FOCUS Alliance of Euro-Asian Sociologists. Survey Findings The survey results paint a grim outlook for migrant workers from Kyrgyzstan: 61.5% of respondents believe that conditions for migrant workers in Russia will worsen significantly. 14.7% think the situation will remain the same. 10.7% are confident that despite challenges, migrants will adapt. Only 4.4% are optimistic, expecting improved conditions for foreign workers. Another 8.9% found it difficult to predict the future of migrant labor in Russia. A similar sentiment was observed in Uzbekistan. According to the same survey: 35% of Uzbek respondents believe it will become impossible for migrants to find work in Russia. 28% believe the situation will remain stable. 22% are confident that migrant workers will overcome challenges. 6% expect conditions to improve. The survey, which included 1,433 participants, used a random sampling method with a margin of error of 3%. Stricter Migration Policies in Russia Russia has tightened its migration policies in recent months, with the State Duma passing multiple bills aimed at increasing oversight of foreign nationals. The crackdown on migration follows a terrorist attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall, which reignited debates around national security and the regulation of foreign labor. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the interests of Russian citizens must take priority in drafting migration laws. He also stressed the importance of migrants adhering to local legislation and having knowledge of the Russian language. These developments reflect a growing trend in Russia to limit migration and impose stricter conditions on foreign workers. Kyrgyzstan’s Response Despite the challenges, Kyrgyzstan remains committed to labor migration as a critical aspect of its economy. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov reassured that the country will continue to export labor to Russia. Russia is a key destination for Kyrgyz migrant workers, with remittances from workers abroad making up a significant portion of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP. However, with stricter migration laws and a shifting labor market, the ability of Kyrgyz workers to sustain their livelihoods in Russia may face serious obstacles. The survey results highlight widespread pessimism among Kyrgyz and Uzbek citizens regarding the future of migrant work in Russia. Stricter migration policies and a focus on prioritizing Russian citizens are contributing to uncertainty for Central Asian migrant workers. While Kyrgyzstan continues to rely on labor migration to support its economy, adapting to the evolving conditions in Russia will require resilience and potentially new strategies to protect its migrant workforce.

Uzbekistan Receives $14.8 Billion in Remittances in 2024

The total volume of remittances sent to Uzbekistan in 2024 reached a record $14.8 billion, marking a 30% increase - equivalent to $3.4 billion - compared to the previous year. This data comes from the Central Bank’s Brief Review on Currency Transactions of Individuals. Key Sources of Remittances Russia remains the dominant source of remittances for Uzbekistan, accounting for 77% of the total, or $11.5 billion - a 29% increase from 2023. Other key contributors include: Kazakhstan: $795 million United States: $577 million South Korea: $534 million Turkey: $405 million United Kingdom: $135 million July saw the highest inflow of remittances, with $1.785 billion received, while February recorded the lowest amount, at $738 million. Remittance growth varied significantly by country / region: United Kingdom: Up 83% South Korea: Up 56% United States: Up 35% European Union: Up 32% While inflows surged, the volume of remittances sent abroad from Uzbekistan also grew, increasing by 19% in 2024 to reach $2.8 billion. Russia remains the largest source of remittances to Uzbekistan, thanks to the significant number of Uzbek migrants working there. However, new restrictions introduced in 47 Russian regions, including the occupied territories of Crimea, Sevastopol, and Zaporozhye, could negatively impact Central Asian migrant workers. According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, there were more than 6.1 million foreigners in Russia in 2024, the majority from Central Asia and other CIS countries. Among them, over 1.88 million Uzbek citizens visited Russia during the first eight months of the year, underscoring the strong ties between Uzbek migrant labor and Russia's economy. The substantial increase in remittances highlights the critical role of labor migration in Uzbekistan’s economy. However, the evolving regulatory environment in key source countries like Russia could pose challenges for Central Asian migrants and, by extension, Uzbekistan’s remittance-dependent economy.

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.

Russian MP Blames Central Asians for Ruble Depreciation

Mikhail Matveyev, a member of Russia’s State Duma, has attributed the depreciation of the Russian ruble in part to remittances by labor migrants from Central Asia and the Caucasus. In a statement on his Telegram channel, Matveyev argued that millions of migrants working in Russia transfer their earnings abroad, removing significant sums from the Russian economy. According to him, these remittances fuel demand for foreign currencies, such as the dollar, thereby weakening the ruble. Citing statistics, Matveyev claimed that in 2023, labor migrants sent $5.7 billion from Russia to Tajikistan - nearly half of Tajikistan’s GDP. Kyrgyzstan received remittances equal to about one-third of its GDP, while Uzbekistan received over $14.5 billion, accounting for 12-15% of its GDP. Other significant recipients included Georgia (over $2 billion), Armenia (over $3 billion), and Kazakhstan. Matveyev also criticized some of these countries for their stance on Western sanctions against Russia. He noted that several countries in the Eurasia region have joined sanctions targeting Russian banks and refuse to process transactions using the Russian Mir payment system. This, he said, forces migrants to withdraw cash dollars from Russia to transfer home, exacerbating the pressure on the ruble exchange rate. The MP’s remarks came amid a sharp drop in the ruble’s value against the dollar last week. For more than 30 years, millions of Central Asian citizens have migrated to Russia for work. However, recent trends indicate an increase in return migration, driven by Russia’s deteriorating economic conditions, stricter immigration rules, worsening attitudes toward Central Asian workers, and attempts by Russian authorities to recruit immigrants - both with and without Russian citizenship - for military service in Ukraine.