The cultures, history, and civilizational roots of Central Asian countries are similar, and they also share many socio-economic challenges. One of the common socio-economic problems of these countries is the increasing labor migration each year. Labor migration, in simple terms, refers to the movement of people to work in other countries when they face unemployment or insufficient wages in their own country.
There are two main reasons for this migration. The first is rapid population growth. For example, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the population in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan grew significantly. The second reason is the economic crisis that occurred in the post-Soviet era. The transition from a planned economy to a free-market economy led to the collapse of industrial and agricultural sectors, worsening unemployment and leading to a large-scale labor migration. These migrations have somewhat alleviated social and economic tensions in the countries.
The money sent back by migrant workers to their families has become an important source of income and significantly contributed to the economies of these nations. However, such remittances have proven to be risky during crises, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. A large portion of labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan work in a single country-Russia. Most migrants from Central Asia obtain work permits in Russia and work legally. The government regulates labor migration by setting quotas for work permits. However, the number of migrants wishing to stay and work in Russia often exceeds the quota set for work permits, leading to illegal immigration. As a result, in recent years, migration diplomacy has become an important issue actively included in the diplomatic agendas of these three Central Asian states.[i]
Labor migration in Central Asian countries affects not only the economy but also the social structure. These migration movements impact various areas such as family life, gender roles, education, and cultural values.
The effect of migration on family structure is noteworthy. Those who move to another country for work are often the breadwinners of the family. This can lead to the separation of families. While parents work abroad, children are often left with their grandparents and may feel disconnected from their parents. This division within the family can harm children’s social and psychological development over time. In addition to causing problems within family relationships, it can also weaken emotional bonds. Changes within the family can also cause issues in children’s education and school life.
Labor migration has also led to significant changes in gender roles. Typically, men are the ones who migrate. As a result, women are increasingly responsible for both household duties and providing for the family. This shift increases the workload for women and can lead to various social issues.
Culturally, migration can lead to identity crises and cultural conflicts. Migrants are exposed to different cultures in the countries they move to, and over time, their ties to local cultural values may weaken. This can cause cultural assimilation or identity crises, especially among younger generations. When workers from Central Asia return to their home countries, they often struggle to readjust to local norms and values. Thus, migration goes beyond the goal of economic survival, leaving deep marks on the cultural and social identities of individuals.
In conclusion, labor migration in Central Asia has brought about changes in the economic and social structures of these countries. The effects of migration on family life, gender roles, and culture make it necessary for governments to develop more comprehensive social and economic policies. Sustainable solutions are needed to ensure social integration both in the countries where migrant workers live and in their home countries.
[i] “Трудовая миграция и дипломатизация миграции в центральной Азии”, Eurasıan Research Instıtute, https://www.eurasian-research.org/publication/labor-migration-and-emerging-migrant-diplomacy-in-central-asia/?lang=ru, (Access Date: 09.10.2024).
