The World Bank has released a new study analyzing current migration trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, Kun.uz reports.
The report presentation was attended by government representatives responsible for regulating external migration, as well as experts from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Migration remains a significant development challenge in the ECA region, which is home to 100 million migrants - one-third of the world’s migrant population. Income disparities, demographic imbalances, climate change, and armed conflicts continue to drive global migration flows.
As of 2023, over 80% of labor migrants from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were heading to Russia. Migration flows from Uzbekistan were more diversified: 57% worked in Russia, 15% in Kazakhstan, and 10% in Ukraine.
In Central Asian countries, labor migration remains one of the key sources of income for millions of citizens. As of 2024, remittances from labor migrants accounted for 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP - the highest relative figure in the world. In Kyrgyzstan, remittances made up 24% of GDP, while in Uzbekistan, they constituted 14%.
By working abroad, migrants from these countries can double or triple their income, significantly improving their families’ living standards. For example, in Kyrgyzstan, the poverty rate among households receiving remittances is below 10%, whereas without them, it would exceed 50%. In Uzbekistan, it is estimated that without remittances, the poverty rate would increase from 9.6% to 16.8%.
If managed effectively, migration can become a key tool for addressing socio-demographic imbalances in the ECA region. However, its economic potential remains underutilized, the report notes.
International coordination plays a crucial role in effectively regulating migration and ensuring the fair distribution of its benefits.
The report recommends the following policy measures:
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Distinguishing different types of migration to develop appropriate policies.
These measures should account for differences between highly skilled and low-skilled migrants, as well as between those seeking economic opportunities and those forced to leave due to armed conflicts. Migration policies should be data-driven and coordinated at both national and regional levels.
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Integrating migration aspects into strategies to enhance local workforce competitiveness to improve productivity, develop human capital, and boost economic growth.
At the national level, this involves providing opportunities to acquire necessary skills through existing labor market development programs and formulating immigration strategies to effectively allocate labor migrants in accordance with the needs of promising foreign markets.
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Transforming the "brain drain" into "brain gain" by incorporating migration aspects into national socio-economic development strategies.
Governments in migrant-origin countries can facilitate this by monitoring labor market needs and implementing co-financing mechanisms for education to train in-demand specialists.
Additionally, measures should be introduced to encourage skilled migrants to return home by reforming labor markets and providing support for professionals with international experience.
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Developing safe and organized migration mechanisms.
Origin countries should implement migrant registration systems and sign bilateral agreements with destination countries to protect their citizens working abroad. It is also crucial to provide the public with reliable information on employment opportunities in third countries.
Governments of origin countries are advised to negotiate the transfer of social security and insurance payments for their citizens working abroad.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 12, 2025