In recent years, the Republic of Uzbekistan has undertaken large-scale reforms aimed at establishing a systematic, safe, and human-centered approach to labor migration management. These efforts not only ensure the legal employment of citizens abroad but also aim to enhance their knowledge, professional qualifications, and access to decent work opportunities.
A Renewed Migration Policy
On the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers was established as the central body responsible for coordinating state policy in the field of labor migration. The Agency’s main objective is to ensure the lawful, safe, and effective organization of labor migration, while also providing citizens with professional training and reintegration support.
The Agency’s work is based on the principles of “human capital and decent work.” Migration is now viewed not as the export of labor but as an exchange of knowledge, experience, and opportunities that foster sustainable development.
International Cooperation and Diversification
As part of expanding the geography of labor migration, the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan and other state institutions conducted missions to 18 countries, holding negotiations with 106 competent organizations. Among these countries are Qatar, Kuwait, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Slovenia, and others.
This initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to diversifying its participation in the global labor market and creating new, legal, and transparent channels of employment abroad.
Qatar — Uzbekistan’s New Partner in Labor Migration
The State of Qatar has emerged as one of Uzbekistan’s new and promising partners. The high demand for skilled professionals in Qatar continues to drive the expansion of bilateral cooperation in the field of labor migration.
During official meetings in Doha, the Uzbek delegation — comprising representatives of the Migration Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Uzbekistan — met with Her Excellency Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Soni, Deputy Minister of Labor of Qatar.
The Qatari side announced its readiness to significantly increase employment quotas for Uzbek workers.
“Currently, 560 Uzbek citizens are employed in Qatar. However, this represents only a small portion of the available potential. We are ready to multiply the quotas and attract more Uzbek nationals to leading Qatari companies,”
— stated Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Soni.
In addition, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency and Qatar’s largest recruitment company “Jusour.” The document provides for the training and employment of professionals in healthcare, hospitality, tourism, IT, and engineering sectors.
A New Stage in Visa Facilitation
During discussions with Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the country’s leadership expressed readiness to implement a system for issuing work visas to Uzbek citizens within 10 days. This step will significantly simplify labor migration procedures.
The two sides also agreed to establish professional and language training centers in Uzbekistan tailored to the requirements of Qatar’s labor market.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan and Qatar are entering a new stage of partnership in the field of labor migration. This cooperation will contribute to the sustainable development of both nations through the exchange of human capital, knowledge, and skills.
“Labor migration should positively impact both human development and economic growth. We aim to make it dignified, lawful, and future-oriented,”
— stated the Migration Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.