Migrant Workers - The Times Of Central Asia

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Economic Growth

World Bank Warns of Slowing Tajikistan Economy

Tajikistan’s economic growth may slow in the coming years due to mounting foreign policy and regional risks, according to a new report from the World Bank. Vulnerability to External Shocks The report highlights several external vulnerabilities that could impact Tajikistan’s economy. These include shifts in Russia’s migration policies, heightened global instability, and ongoing armed conflicts. “Tighter migration policies and restrictions on Tajik workers in Russia threaten to significantly reduce remittance flows, leading to lower economic growth, increased poverty, and worsening fiscal and external balances,” the World Bank stated. Growing global protectionism is also expected to raise Tajikistan’s foreign trade costs. The report notes that recent U.S. tariff increases on imports from several of Dushanbe’s key trading partners have triggered retaliatory measures from countries like China. These developments could drive up import costs and intensify logistical pressures. Additionally, volatility in global commodity prices is expected to impact Tajik exports. While falling oil and raw material prices could reduce export earnings, especially for aluminum, zinc, and ores, high global gold prices in 2025 may provide a partial offset through increased revenues. Impact of Regional Conflicts The World Bank also warns that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could further disrupt global supply chains, raising energy and logistics costs. These challenges would translate into higher import prices for Tajikistan. Conversely, the report suggests that a potential easing of sanctions and normalization of relations between the U.S. and Russia could destabilize Central Asian economies. However, the implications of such a shift remain uncertain and difficult to forecast. Medium-Term Outlook Despite these headwinds, the World Bank expects Tajikistan’s economy to remain stable, albeit with a decelerating growth trajectory: 8.4% in 2024 7.0% in 2025 4.9% in 2026 4.7% in 2027 The projected slowdown is gradual and not expected to result in a recession. Similar concerns have been echoed by other institutions. The Asian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development have also forecast a gradual slowdown in Tajikistan’s economic growth over the medium term.

Migration

Japanese Language Courses Launched to Support Kyrgyz Labor Migration to Japan

On August 8, the Center for Pre-Departure Orientation and Reintegration of Migrants in Bishkek officially launched an intensive Japanese language course aimed at improving the employability of Kyrgyz job seekers in Japan. The course is a joint initiative of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration’s Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad and the Japan Association for Construction Human Resources (JAC). The program is part of ongoing efforts to develop Japan as a new destination for Kyrgyz labor migration, diversifying the country’s overseas employment market. This collaboration follows the signing of a memorandum of cooperation on labor migration between Kyrgyzstan and Japan. The first group of students was 30 mainly young participants from across Kyrgyzstan. Expanding Employment Pathways Kyrgyzstan is deepening labor migration ties with Japan as part of a broader strategy to create safe, legal, and skills-based employment opportunities for its citizens abroad. The Ministry’s Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad is working with JAC, which facilitates the recruitment of specified skilled workers for Japan’s construction industry. Both sides have also discussed plans to establish a specialized training center in Kyrgyzstan to prepare construction professionals according to Japanese industry standards. While Russia remains the main destination for Kyrgyz labor migrants, recent years have seen growing interest in alternative destinations, including Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and several European countries.

Labor migrants

Kazakhstan’s Labor Migration Market: Balancing Interests Amid Rising Violations

Analysts at Finprom.kz have released a new overview of labor migration trends in Kazakhstan. According to the report, as of May 1, 2025, 14,300 foreign citizens were officially employed in the country, a 4% increase compared to the same period last year. Origins and Occupations The majority of migrant workers come from China, with 5,100 individuals, a 24.5% year-on-year increase. They are followed by workers from Uzbekistan (1,900), Turkey (1,100), and India (1,100). Foreign workers are primarily employed in construction, which accounts for 5,000 people, a 19.1% increase from the previous year. Other major sectors include agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (2,300 workers), and mining and manufacturing (1,300 workers in each). The most common job categories for foreign workers include specialists (4,400), heads of structural divisions (2,400), seasonal workers (2,300), skilled laborers (1,000), and intra-company transferees (3,600). Despite overall growth, the number of foreign specialists has declined by 21.5% compared to last year. The number of foreign nationals in management roles remains largely unchanged at 567, compared to 564 last year. Quotas, Oversight, and Violations The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan sets annual quotas for hiring foreign labor. In 2024, the quota was capped at 22,000 workers, equivalent to 0.23% of the national workforce. However, violations related to labor migration are on the rise. Between January and May 2025, authorities recorded 1,600 administrative offenses, an increase of 10.1% compared to the same period in 2024. The highest number of violations occurred in the Karaganda region (224), followed by Astana (141), Shymkent (136), Almaty (110), and the Turkestan region (99). Those held administratively responsible included 238 individual entrepreneurs and 19 government officials. Authorities also fined 106 foreign nationals for breaches of migration laws. Total fines amounted to KZT 157.1 million ($303,000), up 22.6% from KZT 128.2 million a year earlier. Of this amount, KZT 130 million (82.7%) has already been collected.

Migrant Rights

Uzbekistan Raises Concern over Treatment of its Migrants in Russia

Uzbekistan has urged Russia to pay greater attention to reports of mistreatment and rights violations involving Uzbek migrant workers living and working in Russia. The issue was formally raised on May 2 during a meeting in Tashkent between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Bobur Usmonov and Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Oleg Malginov. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Usmonov expressed deep concern over the growing number of reports detailing abuse and harsh treatment of Uzbek migrants. He emphasized that such cases constitute violations of the rights and freedoms of Uzbek citizens, which should be safeguarded under the laws of their host country. The two officials also reviewed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, including upcoming events on both bilateral and multilateral agendas. They confirmed that collaboration in the consular and legal sectors remains strong. Regular consultations are held on consular issues, and a joint working group on labor migration continues to operate, focusing on employment and migration processes. “Protecting the rights and interests of citizens is at the center of our cooperation,” the Uzbek side said in an official statement. Topics discussed included pre-departure language and vocational training, simplifying the work permit application process, and ensuring that migrants comply with Russian legal requirements upon arrival. Meanwhile, on May 3, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a phone call to discuss deepening their strategic partnership. The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, industry, and regional business, and praised the recent Innoprom. Central Asia exhibition in Tashkent. They also noted expanding ties in education, culture, sports, and tourism. Just days earlier, on April 29, a delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Prosecutor General Shohrukh Aminov, visited Moscow for the first session of a joint labor migration working group. Both parties agreed to enhance legal migration frameworks and to ensure fair and dignified treatment of migrant workers. The Uzbek government reiterated its expectation that Russian authorities will investigate the reported abuses and keep their Uzbek counterparts informed of the outcomes.

Migration

Russia Remains Top Destination for 600,000 Kyrgyz Migrant Workers

A total of 600,000 Kyrgyz citizens are currently living abroad, with Russia remaining the primary destination for Kyrgyz labor migrants, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, Bakyt Darmankul uulu, said at a press conference last week, citing data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of the end of 2024, 379,949 Kyrgyz nationals were registered with Russian migration authorities. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor, the distribution of Kyrgyz migrants in other countries is as follows: Kazakhstan - approximately 70,000 Turkey - around 32,000 United States - about 40,000 South Korea - more than 17,000 Germany - about 15,000 United Arab Emirates (UAE) - more than 10,000 The Role of Remittances in Kyrgyzstan’s Economy Labor migration remains a vital source of income for many Kyrgyz households, with remittances playing a crucial role in the country’s economic development. According to a recent World Bank report analyzing migration trends in Europe and Central Asia, remittances from labor migrants accounted for 24% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP in 2024. The report also highlights that the poverty rate among Kyrgyz households with an international migrant is currently below 10% but would exceed 50% without remittances. Shifting Migration Trends In recent years, many Kyrgyz and other Central Asian migrants have left Russia, due to the country’s economic downturn, stricter regulations, and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. As a result, an increasing number of migrants from Central Asia are opting for alternative destinations such as Turkey, South Korea, and various European countries.

Deportation

Uzbek Citizens Deported from U.S. to Return Home

Uzbekistan has contacted Latin American governments and U.S. authorities regarding the deportation of its citizens from the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahror Burhonov announced. According to Burhonov, Uzbek citizens deported from the U.S. typically return home on flights along the New York-Tashkent route. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington and the Consulate General in New York have been coordinating with U.S. law enforcement agencies to facilitate a safe return. As part of ongoing cooperation, the U.S. government notifies Uzbekistan of each deportation case. "We are monitoring reports about the possible deportation of Uzbek citizens to other countries. Our diplomatic missions have formally requested information from the U.S. regarding such cases. Additionally, we have established contacts with Latin American countries through diplomatic channels," Burhonov stated. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported that a group of 200 migrants from Central Asia and India would be deported to Costa Rica as part of U.S. immigration enforcement efforts. A separate U.S. Air Force flight carrying deportees from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam recently landed in Panama. Two more flights are expected, bringing the total number of deportees to 360.