Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the first half of 2025, 86,300 Uzbek citizens secured employment in more than 17 countries, according to the press service of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

On 21 August, the “Milliy Tiklanish” party faction, together with the Committee on Labor, Health, and Social Affairs, held an extended session addressing labor migration and the protection of citizens’ rights abroad. During discussions with representatives from 17 countries, 22 international organizations, and diplomats, quotas for work visas were increased. Through organized migration programs, 211,000 new jobs offering salaries of US$15,000 and above were identified, and agreements were signed with 129 major foreign companies.

According to the plan, 200,000 citizens are expected to find employment abroad by the end of the year, with 86,300 already employed in the first six months across more than 17 countries. Data from the Central Bank indicates that international money transfers reached US$8.2 billion during this period, up 27% compared to last year.

To prepare migrants for work abroad, international training centers have been established in nine regions of Uzbekistan with support from organizations in Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Bulgaria. Since the beginning of the year, 45,300 people have received professional training and language preparation.

The session also reviewed the operation of the electronic platform “Xorijdaish.uz,” which provides social and legal services to migrants. Nearly 2.5 million citizens are registered on the platform, over 1.5 million of whom have received various forms of assistance.

However, challenges were identified. In Surkhandarya region, 5,893 applicants registered, in Namangan — 7,111, and in Tashkent, from January to April, only 2,192 of 12,000 registered citizens were employed abroad, achieving 18.3% of the annual plan. Accurate data is unavailable for Bukhara, Jizzakh, and Navoi regions.

Deputies criticized the lack of information on services provided to citizens through the Migration Fund in some regions, incomplete data on the reintegration of returning migrants — including employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development — and the absence of systematic support for them.

Parliamentarians emphasized the need to strengthen local migration agencies, combat illegal employment, develop specialized programs for women and young migrants, improve conditions for internal migration in housing, education, and healthcare, and expand cooperation with international organizations to protect citizens’ rights abroad.