Uzbekistan and Türkiye: a human-centered partnership in labour migration

The upcoming official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Türkiye reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. One of the most dynamic areas of this cooperation is labour migration, built on mutual trust and a shared human-centered vision.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has fundamentally transformed its migration policy, placing human dignity, legal employment, and social protection at the core of its reforms. This approach aims to ensure that citizens working abroad do so safely, legally, and with full respect for their rights.

Cooperation with Türkiye exemplifies this new philosophy. The entry into force of the bilateral agreement on the protection of the rights of labour migrants and their family members marked a significant milestone in strengthening legal and institutional guarantees for migrants.

Regular dialogue between migration and labour authorities, joint forums, and practical coordination mechanisms have contributed to more orderly and transparent labour mobility. Notably, agreements reached to legalize the status of Uzbek citizens without administrative penalties, particularly in sectors with high labour demand, demonstrate a shared commitment to humane and pragmatic solutions.

Another key dimension of cooperation is skills recognition and certification. Collaboration with Türkiye’s professional qualification institutions enables Uzbek citizens to obtain internationally recognized certificates, enhancing their employability both in Türkiye and beyond.