To keep the flood of Uzbeks headed north at bay, Tashkent is thinking outside the box
Enhancing Work Environment for Overseas Workers in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is redefining its approach to labor migration, with a clear priority: stay away from the bear, Russia, if possible.
This isn't an overnight shift. For years, Russia has been the principal destination for millions of Uzbeks seeking work beyond their borders. Even with a decline in labor migration figures over the past decade-plus, Russia will continue to be the go-to spot for many workers leaving Uzbekistan.
Estimates suggest that between 2 to 3 million Uzbeks work abroad, a significant drop from the 4 million reported in 2010-2014, according to local media. Such exodus represents a considerable chunk of Uzbekistan's economy, with remittances amounting to a whopping $16.7 billion in 2022, equivalent to 21% of the country's GDP. This figure, however, plunged significantly in 2023, indicating the ongoing economic volatility.
Recognizing the need to reduce the burden of illegal labor migration – an issue that affects both the sender and receiver nations – Uzbekistan is taking action. Officially, over 90% of Uzbek migrants head overseas without proper authorization.
The Uzbek government's recent moves under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, however, aim to change this scene. A decree published in early April entrusts the External Labor Migration Agency with increased powers to regulate labor migration effectively. Key provisions of this decree include establishing diplomatic attaches at embassies in countries like the UK, UAE, Hungary, Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Japan to manage and promote Uzbek labor migration.
While the decrees' intentions regarding Russia remain unspoken, its phrasing leaves little to the imagination. It appears that the Uzbek government is actively steering labor migration away from the northern rival.
Since the decree's announcement, Uzbek officials have been swooping into labor-market partnerships with several foreign countries, such as the UK and Slovakia. These agreements open the doors for Uzbek medical professionals to work in hospitals and clinics across Britain and for Uzbeks to grab 390 positions at Volkswagen and Volvo facilities in Slovakia.
Although beneficial, these agreements reach a fraction of the estimated 2-3 million Uzbek labor migrants. The majority of Uzbeks seeking work abroad are typically unskilled, working in construction, transportation, janitorial services, and more.
Realizing the needs of this unskilled workforce, the Uzbek government launched the 'Jobs Abroad' platform. Registering on this government platform makes migrants eligible for health insurance, welfare assistance, job training programs, and placement services upon their return. The state also offers subsidies to local enterprises that employ returning migrants.
Furthermore, the decree offers legal aid and assistance to labor migrants who face harassment, discrimination, and violence while overseas. To ensure worker well-being, the Ministry of Employment is ordered to develop implementation procedures by the summer.
Recognizing the struggles of families back home, the decree also mandates the National Social Protection Agency to establish a system for providing social support services and financial assistance to labor-migrant families before the end of 2024. Regular check-ins by social workers will help ensure the well-being of children in these families.
The funding required to implement all these measures remains a mystery. The decree seems coy on financial matters.
The impetus behind the decree extends beyond the desire to protect the rights of laborers abroad. The move also seems driven by changing sentiments in Russia, particularly a rise in hostility towards Central Asian labor migrants following a significant terrorist incident at Crocus City Hall in Moscow. Since then, multiple incidents of harassment and violence against migrant workers have been reported.
While the decree aims to safeguard the rights of Uzbek workers abroad, some measures point towards a more ominous intent: possibly the Uzbek government's concerns surrounding potential radicalization of its citizens within the hostile Russian environment. Specific provisions appear geared towards providing authorities with early warnings and support mechanisms for at-risk migrants.
The decree's focus on early warning systems and support systems for migrants highlights the government's concerns about the risk of radicalization among its migrants in challenging circumstances. This risk, experts say, is often amplified by adverse working conditions and feelings of isolation and alienation.
In the words of migration analyst Piotr Kazmierkiewicz, "Typically, radicalization occurs in Russia. Vulnerable groups include alienated youth with no social or community support, those with low levels of religious education, and youngsters who get involved in crime."
Uzbekistan's strategy for managing labor migration is a balancing act. The government is looking to foster economic growth while ensuring the well-being and protection of its citizens. Whether it can navigate this tricky path effectively remains to be seen.
Key Insights
- Uzbekistan's new labor migration regulations aim to control illegal migration and reduce dependence on Russia as a principal destination for labor migration.
- The new measures provide support and protection for unskilled Uzbek labor migrants, including health insurance, welfare assistance, and job placement services upon their return.
- The Uzbek government is also looking to safeguard labor migrants from harassment, discrimination, and violence, and provide them with legal aid.
- The decree seems in part motivated by rising hostility towards Central Asian labor migrants in Russia, with potential concerns about radicalization among Uzbek migrants.
- The new regulations are intended to ensure the well-being of labor migrant families left behind, with proposed social support services and financial assistance systems.
- The funding required to support these new services remains unclear, as the decree glosses over financial matters.
- In an effort to mitigate the increasing numbers of Uzbek migrant workers heading north, Uzbekistan's policy-and-legislation has shifted towards focusing on education and welfare, with the launch of the 'Jobs Abroad' platform offering health insurance, job training, and placement services for migrants.
- Recognizing the environmental challenges faced by families left behind, the Uzbek government plans to establish a system for providing social support services and financial assistance to labor-migrant families by the end of 2024, as outlined in the recent decree.
- To supplement the income lost due to the decline in remittances from Russia, Uzbekistan is looking to diversify its financial scope by fostering economic partnerships with nations like the UK and Slovakia, as demonstrated by agreements for Uzbek medical professionals to work in hospitals and clinics and for Uzbeks to occupy positions at Volkswagen and Volvo facilities.
- With the rising tide of general-news reports of harassment, discrimination, and violence against Central Asian labor migrants in Russia, Uzbekistan's new policy-and-legislation aims to protect its citizens from such environment-related issues, with provisions for legal aid and assistance to migrants who face such challenges while overseas.
