New dialogues with the US in the field of migration indicate the beginning of a qualitatively new stage in Uzbekistan's foreign labor policy. It is noteworthy that these partnerships are aimed not only at increasing labor exports, but also at training human capital based on international standards.
The meetings held within the framework of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in New York demonstrated that Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly active participant in the global migration agenda. In particular, the interpretation of migration not as an “economic necessity” but as an “investment in human capital” is an important conceptual change in modern migration policy. This approach means viewing labor migration not only as a means of earning foreign exchange or alleviating unemployment, but also as a mechanism for integrating national human resources into the requirements of the international labor market.
The institutional partnerships being established with the US in the medical, transport, and agro-industrial sectors solve several strategic tasks. Firstly, by improving the professional and language competencies of migrants, competitive personnel are prepared. Secondly, the risks of illegal migration are reduced, as official and targeted recruitment channels are expanded. Thirdly, the issue of legal protection of Uzbek labor migrants is becoming the focus of bilateral dialogue. At the same time, this process also means the formation of the concept of “labor diplomacy” in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Today, the issue of migration is becoming not only a social or economic issue, but also a geopolitical and demographic factor. Opportunities to enter a highly qualified labor market such as the USA will allow Uzbekistan to integrate human resources into the global value chain.
On May 18-19, Tashkent became an important forum for dialogue on international migration issues. More than 600 experts, officials and representatives of international organizations from about 50 countries of the world gathered in one place within the framework of the “Tashkent International Migration Forum - 2026”. The initiative to hold the International Migration Forum in Tashkent demonstrates the country's intention to become a regional platform for shaping migration policy in Central Asia. In his speech at the forum, the Director of the Migration Agency, Behzod Musaev, noted: “Today, the issue of migration has become not only a labor market or economic process, but also a matter of human dignity, trust and shared responsibility”. In today’s global environment, states are judged not only by borders, but also by trust, cooperation and respect for human dignity. Uzbekistan is trying to form a new migration policy based on this principle.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
