Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The international forum provided a broad platform to discuss the role of migration in sustainable development and economic growth, the globalization of the labor market, and the protection of migrants' rights.

On May 18–19 of this year, Tashkent hosted the First Tashkent International Migration Forum themed "Socio-Legal Protection of Labor Migrants and Their Family Members." The event was organized by the Migration Agency under the Cabinet Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This prestigious forum brought together representatives from more than 40 countries across Central Asia, Asia, Europe, the United States, and other regions to foster a safe, orderly, and legal migration system. It attracted over 600 participants, including ministers, deputy ministers, and representatives from international organizations and the private sector.

According to the 2026 report by the International Organization for Migration, there are currently around 304 million international migrants worldwide, 168 million of whom are labor migrants. They contribute significantly to the global economy, generating approximately USD 905 billion in remittances.

A series of international meetings were held and key agreements were reached within the framework of the forum. In particular, consensus was reached on signing more than 20 cooperation agreements with international employers.

In addition, the "INTIL" International Language and Vocational Center was inaugurated in Tashkent. The center specializes in training citizens intending to work abroad in modern professions and foreign languages.

The center's infrastructure comprises classrooms with a capacity of 600 seats, practical training rooms with 180 seats, an examination center with 120 seats, and a dormitory with 400 beds. Practical training is provided in fields such as nursing, welding, plumbing, electrical engineering, mechatronics, truck driving, the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Café) sector, and other specialties. The center offers courses in German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, English, Italian, and French, alongside preparatory programs for international certification.

Significant agreements in the field of labor migration were also signed between Uzbekistan and Japan during the forum. Elyor Toshtemirov, Deputy Director of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with members of the Japanese delegation. The meeting was attended by Kazutaka Nakao, Director of the Japanese FESCA organization.

The parties discussed expanding mutual cooperation, training qualified personnel, and directing citizens of Uzbekistan to the Japanese labor market in a safe, orderly, and legal manner. Kazutaka Nakao highly praised the ongoing reforms, infrastructure development, and recent innovations in the field of labor migration in Uzbekistan, expressing readiness to expand partnership.

Zavohir Tursunov, Head of the Kashkadarya Regional Branch of the Migration Agency, provided information on the international agreements implemented within the framework of the forum:

"Numerous meetings were held during the forum. Specifically, the Kashkadarya Regional Branch of the Migration Agency met with the leadership of the Embassy of the State of Israel and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, reaching a mutual agreement. This entails sending our citizens for organized employment in construction and service sectors. Agreements were also concluded on sending Uzbek citizens through orderly, safe, and legal migration channels to Japan, South Korea, and Serbia."

He further emphasized that by establishing direct cooperation with foreign employers, priority is given to creating high-income jobs for citizens of Uzbekistan.

Speaking at the forum, Elyor Toshtemirov, Deputy Director of the Migration Agency, emphasized that human dignity is placed at the forefront of migration policy.

"Prior to traveling abroad, citizens undergo specialized preparatory courses. These courses are organized jointly with international partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), ICMPD, and GIZ," stated Elyor Toshtemirov. He added that citizens receive comprehensive training regarding the legislation, culture, and labor regulations of the destination country. He also highlighted that a system has been established to provide free legal and material assistance to citizens facing difficult situations abroad.

The First International Migration Forum in Tashkent once again demonstrated Uzbekistan's active engagement in global migration policy. Following the forum's outcomes, the country is advancing to a new stage in expanding international cooperation, training skilled personnel, and protecting citizens' rights. According to experts, this forum has opened doors to new opportunities in the field of migration not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire region.

Source: yuz.uz