Targeted training center for migrant workers will be established in Tashkent

A specialized training center for labor migrants will be set up in Tashkent, according to a presentation reviewed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 20. The presentation focused on measures to organize external labor migration more systematically, prepare citizens for high-paying jobs abroad, and ensure their comprehensive protection. 

It was noted that Uzbek citizens are currently working in nearly 40 countries, with the total number of labor migrants abroad reaching 1.2 million. Demand for skilled workers in developed countries in Europe and East Asia continues to grow each year. In addition, the European Commission’s migration strategy through 2030 places particular emphasis on cooperation with Central Asia in migration programs, workforce training, and the prevention of illegal migration. 

In this context, expanding the geography of external labor migration, especially access to high-income labor markets, has been identified as a priority.

At present, there is demand from abroad for more than 100,000 qualified specialists who meet language and professional requirements. For example, Germany requires 40,000 nurses, while Japan needs 15,000 specialists in construction, logistics, and services. 

Joint educational projects established on the basis of technical colleges in cooperation with companies from Germany, South Korea, and Japan play an important role in meeting this demand. Currently, 8,500 citizens are studying under 12 joint programs based on the “profession plus language” principle, with 3,000 graduates already employed. 

Plans are in place to increase the number of such projects to 20, expand training in in-demand professions and foreign languages by 50 percent, and raise enrollment to more than 10,000 people. The planned center in Tashkent will offer training in 12 high-demand professions, seven foreign languages, and six certification exams, along with a campus accommodating 600 students. 

In addition, specialized courses will be introduced at medical colleges in Andijan, Samarkand, Fergana, and Tashkent to prepare nurses for international language and professional certification exams. Measures will also be taken to expand training and assessment centers for construction workers, including concrete workers, formworkers, steel fixers, and welders. 

To improve infrastructure in the regions, proposals have been made to establish unified migration centers and driving training hubs at the local level.

The need to expand seasonal employment opportunities was also highlighted. In this regard, cooperation will be developed with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and South Korea based on 12 newly signed international agreements in the agricultural and tourism sectors. 

New financial mechanisms for regulating migration were also discussed. These include covering 50 percent of foreign language training costs and fully reimbursing professional certification exam fees, with funds to be provided directly to citizens rather than training centers. Incentives for foreign employers and recruitment companies hiring Uzbek workers were also considered. 

Particular attention was paid to further improving the “Work Abroad” migration platform, including the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies to make it more convenient for both employers and job seekers.

The president emphasized that the activities of the Migration Agency should not be limited to external labor migration but should also contribute to supplying the domestic labor market with qualified personnel. 

Issues related to ensuring legal and safe employment abroad, as well as protecting the rights and interests of citizens, were also discussed. The importance of continuous monitoring of migrants’ health, living, and working conditions was underscored. Support mechanisms have already been established in 37 countries, providing social assistance to 48,000 citizens, legal aid to 17,000, and financial support to 6,000 individuals. 

At the same time, the need to regulate unauthorized employment among foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily residing in the country was noted. It was emphasized that interagency cooperation should be strengthened to analyze and forecast illegal migration, legalize informal employment, and promote awareness of national values and residency rules. 

The president approved the proposals and instructed officials to modernize the organization of external labor migration in line with current requirements and to expand the use of digital solutions in the sector.