Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 15-16 September 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Uzbekistan. The chancellor’s visit included high-level negotiations, the inauguration of a joint management training school in Samarkand, and meetings with business circles.

As a result of the visit, agreements were signed covering key areas of bilateral cooperation, including livestock and veterinary services, migration, sustainable water resource use, critical minerals, climate change, and transportation.

Notably, an intergovernmental Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership in Migration and Mobility was signed. This document aims to provide favorable conditions for temporary labor activities of Uzbek citizens in Germany and to expand their opportunities for professional training based on German standards.

Successful interaction in this direction began in 2023 during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s working visit to Germany. A Declaration on Expanding Cooperation was adopted, which included an agreement to simplify migration processes and facilitate the issuance of work and study visas.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively working with external partners to establish a systematic approach to migration. This policy aligns with the national interests of the republic.

The country has experienced a stable increase in its labor force.

In particular, in 2024, compared to 2022, the working-age population increased by more than 774,000 people, totaling over 20 million. Measures taken in recent years in the field of migration have established a systematic, reliable mechanism for managing migration processes, demonstrating Tashkent’s responsible approach to fulfilling its obligations.

To improve conditions for citizens working abroad, a broad national regulatory framework has been established, including 14 documents. Since April this year, according to the Presidential Decree on Additional Measures to Improve Labor Migration Processes and Support Individuals Engaged in Temporary Labor Abroad, citizens participating in organized labor migration receive compensation for expenses related to language exams, visa processing, and ticket purchase.

To effectively coordinate tasks in diplomatic and consular institutions in Germany, the UK, the UAE, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, and other countries, positions of labor migration attachés have been introduced.

Additionally, 27 labor agreements have been signed with countries in the CIS, Europe, and Asia. A Fund for the Support and Protection of the Rights and Interests of Citizens Working Abroad has been established.

Furthermore, the Uzbek government pays special attention to professional training. For instance, the "Berlitz International Linguistic Center" operates in the country, providing graduates with employment opportunities in Germany. The recruitment agency "Novо Agency" is also taking steps to attract workers from Uzbekistan to the German labor market.

Tashkent positions itself not only as a source of skilled labor but, more importantly, as a guarantor of worker professionalism for the host country.

Germany is also interested in expanding migration cooperation with Uzbekistan. According to some estimates, Germany is currently experiencing a labor shortage of 2 million workers, which is expected to grow to 7 million by 2035.

The greatest shortage of labor is observed in the healthcare, services, information technology, and engineering sectors.

Germany already has labor migration agreements with Georgia, India, Colombia, and Morocco. Uzbekistan is the first country in the Central Asia region with which Germany has signed a similar agreement.

This fact reflects Berlin’s strong interest in strengthening strategic partnership with Tashkent.

Overall, considering the current complementary needs of both countries, Uzbek-German cooperation in migration has the potential to bring mutual benefits. For Uzbekistan, this means a significant expansion of migration flows and an increase in the qualification of the national labor force.

For Germany, such interaction will contribute to increased labor productivity and filling of in-demand vacancies.

Kamila Sabirova, 

Leading Researcher, ISMI under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan