Askat Alagozov, spokesperson for Kyrgyzstan’s President, urged Kyrgyz nationals currently employed in Russia to consider returning to their home country. According to Alagozov, there is a substantial demand for construction and textile workers within Kyrgyzstan.
In a social media update, Alagozov addressed the potential workforce by stating, “Although salaries in Kyrgyzstan may not match those in Russia, it is preferable to work in your homeland and be near your family.” He also shared the contact number for the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s hotline to assist with job placements.
The government's call has met with mixed reactions from citizens. Many have pointed out the wage differences between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. In Russia, migrants earn between KGS 80,000 and 200,000 ($950 – 2,350), whereas the average salary in Kyrgyzstan is between KGS 30,000 and 50,000 ($350 – 600).
A commenter on Alagozov’s post highlighted the difficulty of purchasing property in Kyrgyzstan, noting that the high cost of housing is a major factor driving migration. “90% of Kyrgyz citizens migrate to purchase a home. The local job market makes it challenging to save for such investments,” the commenter stated.
As of August 1, there were 57,500 individuals registered as unemployed at the labour exchange. The National Statistical Committee reported a 21% decrease in registered unemployment over the past year. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development also noted that more than 230,000 individuals have been employed and 58,000 have received vocational training in recent years.
Despite these statistics, some workers have raised concerns about the job market conditions in Kyrgyzstan. A construction worker named Ulukbek described the situation in Bishkek, where temporary and informal jobs are prevalent. “The demand for labour includes various tasks such as construction, landscaping, and transportation. Permanent positions are scarce, and the income is inconsistent,” Ulukbek commented. He also noted that competition for jobs increases during the warmer months, affecting job stability.
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