ASTANA – Central Asian countries need stronger regional coordination, better social protection mechanisms and more diversified labor migration destinations as changing migration policies and labor market demands reshape mobility patterns across the region, experts said during an online seminar organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Nov.
6. Photo credit: AI generated image/ The Astana Times The seminar brought together researchers to discuss how countries in the region can adapt their migration policies, strengthen cooperation and expand opportunities for their citizens abroad. Vladyslav Butenko, an associate research fellow at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek proposed several measures to strengthen regional cooperation and improve protections for migrant workers.
Photo credit: The Astana Times Vladyslav Butenko, an associate research fellow at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, examined how the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are responding to changes in labor migration patterns, particularly as Russia’s role as the region’s main destination for migrant workers evolves.
Labor migration remains a major component of Central Asia’s political economy, with remittances contributing significantly to household incomes and poverty reduction. However, continued dependence on the Russian labor market exposes countries of origin to changes in migration regulations, economic conditions and political priorities in destination countries.
Butenko argued that the countries sending workers abroad have yet to develop sufficiently coordinated mechanisms to protect their citizens and respond to these changes. Although national governments have introduced various migration policy measures, their efforts remain fragmented, with no common Central Asian framework for managing labor mobility.
He also highlighted differences in the protection available to migrant workers under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Kyrgyz citizens benefit from freedom of movement within the bloc, while workers from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan remain subject to Russia’s patent-based work permit system.
However, even EAEU membership does not fully guarantee social protection, particularly regarding the transfer of pension entitlements and access to social services across borders. To address these challenges, Butenko proposed establishing a regional agreement on labor mobility and social protection, supported by a permanent intergovernmental council with a rotating secretariat.
“The council would receive technical support from the International Organization for Migration and the World Bank. Its responsibilities would include monitoring changes in migration laws in both countries of origin and destination, providing early warnings about potential restrictions and coordinating negotiations on labor agreements,” he said.
He also recommended harmonizing bilateral labor agreements to ensure better protection of social rights, including the transfer of pension savings and access to health-related information and medical records.