On a global scale, the issue of migration has evolved beyond being solely a demographic phenomenon to become one of the key issues directly affecting countries’ security, economic, and development policies in recent years. In particular, labor migration, while on the one hand resulting in remittances and reduced employment pressure for origin countries, also plays a significant role in meeting labor needs in host countries. However, this process cannot be fully understood if evaluated solely in terms of economic benefits. Immigrants often face a wide range of challenges such as low salaries, informal employment, social alienation, separation from their families and lack of legal protection.
The first Tashkent International Migration Forum, held in the capital city of Uzbekistan on 18-19 May 2026, is notable for its comprehensive approach to the issue of migration, addressing both its economic and humanitarian dimension. The fact that the forum in question was held under the theme of “the social and legal protection of migrant workers and their family members” demonstrates that migrants should be viewed not simply as a component of the labor market, but as individuals with rights and needs. This approach shows that the principles of social justice, human dignity and international cooperation are becoming increasingly relevant in contemporary migration governance.[i]
Furthermore, it is no coincidence that Uzbekistan is hosting this forum. Uzbekistan’s young and dynamic population, the number of its citizens working abroad, and the importance of remittances to the country’s economy all place Uzbekistan in a central position in terms of migration policies. This forum, for this reason, can be considered not merely as an international gathering, but as an indication of Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop a more institutionalized, transparent, and collaborative policy on migration governance. The fact that approximately 600 participants from more than 40 countries are taking part in this forum clearly demonstrates that the issue of migration has become a global, multilateral issue that can no longer be resolved within the borders of a single country.
One of the forum’s key priorities is to strengthen safe, regulated, and legal migration routes. This approach treats migration not purely as a problem, but as a process that, when managed properly, can create opportunities for migrants, countries of origin, and host societies as well. According to the International Organization for Migration’s 2026 World Migration Report, there are approximately 304 million international migrants worldwide, 168 million of whom are migrant workers. Furthermore, the fact that annual remittances sent by migrants to their families amount to approximately $905 billion demonstrates that migration is a powerful driver of economic development.[ii]
From Uzbekistan’s perspective, migration plays a significant role in the country’s social and economic structure. With approximately 600,000 people entering the labor market each year, the issue of job creation has become a strategic priority for the country. The fact that approximately 1.2 million Uzbek citizens work abroad and that remittances to Uzbekistan are projected to reach $18.9 billion by 2025 underscores the importance of migrant labor to the national economy.[iii]
“We want our citizens to be valued wherever they are in the world, for their labor, knowledge, and sense of responsibility.”
As can be understood from this, the primary expectation of Uzbekistan’s migration policy is that its citizens working abroad be recognized not merely as a labor force contributing economically, but as qualified and respected individuals. From this perspective, the remarks by Behzod Musaev, Director of the Migration Department/Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, demonstrate that Uzbekistan evaluates migrant labor within the framework of human dignity, professional competence, and social protection. On this occasion, it is important to note that the Tashkent administration approaches migration policies not only in terms of reducing remittances and employment pressure but also from the perspective of ensuring its citizens can participate in the international arena under safe, legal, and dignified conditions.
The emphasis on the legal and social protection of migrants at the forum is also of great importance. This is because safe migration does not merely entail the regulation of border crossings; it also encompasses the protection of migrants in their working lives, family lives, and social environments. Uzbekistan’s signing of 76 intergovernmental migration agreements with 40 countries and approximately 500 companies demonstrates its efforts to institutionalize migration management. Furthermore, the operation of 643 training centers across the country and the completion of language and vocational preparation programs by over 104,400 individuals indicate a desire to manage labor migration in a more planned manner.
The forum’s discussion of social youth policy, gender equality, vocational competencies, and the impact of climate change on migration highlights the multifaceted nature of the migration issue. In particular, climate change has been recognized as a significant factor that could increase new migration movements in the future. For this reason, it is also being considered that migration policies must be prepared not only for today’s labor needs but also for potential environmental and humanitarian crises in the future.
The Tashkent International Migration Forum has highlighted Uzbekistan’s goal of developing a more institutionalized, humanitarian, and internationally collaborative approach in the field of migration government. The forum demonstrated that migration should be addressed not merely as an economic gain or labor mobility, but within the context of social protection, legal safeguards, human dignity, and sustainable development. In this regard, the forum is significant in that it emphasizes the need to view migrant workers not merely as contributors to the production process, but as individuals whose rights must be protected.
Uzbekistan’s young population, the number of its citizens working abroad, and the role of remittances in the economy make migration policy a strategic issue for the country. However, for this strategy to succeed, merely signing new agreements or organizing international meetings is insufficient. What truly matters is ensuring that migrants can work in the host countries under legal, safe, and dignified conditions. For this reason, concrete measures must be strengthened in areas such as vocational training, language preparation, legal counseling, social security, and the protection of families.
[i] “Tashkent Hosts First International Migration Forum”, Uz Daily, https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/tashkent-hosts-first-international-migration-forum/, (Date Of Access: 21.05.2026).
[ii] “First International Migration Forum held in Tashkent”, Kazinform, https://qazinform.com/news/first-international-migration-forum-held-in-tashkent, (Date Of Access: 21.05.2026).
[iii] Aynı Yer.
[iii] “IOM and Uzbekistan Convene First International Migration Forum in Tashkent”, IOM UN Migration, https://eca.iom.int/news/iom-and-uzbekistan-convene-first-international-migration-forum-tashkent, (Date Of Access: 21.05.2026).
[iii] Aynı Yer.
