Uzbekistan has experienced an unprecedented 97% increase in remittances from Poland, the largest growth among all sources, according to Mamarizo Nurmurodov, Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
During the Monthly Fiscal Policy Report, Nurmurodov announced that remittance flows from other key regions have also surged, with notable gains from South Korea (76%), the United Kingdom (67%), the UAE (66%), and slightly lower from Russia (35%). These inflows have injected over $11.3bn into Uzbekistan’s economy from January to September, marking a 34.8% rise over the same period last year and contributing substantially to household incomes nationwide.
“This upward trend in cross-border remittances positively impacts household income levels, helping support Uzbekistan’s economic stability amid a rapidly changing global workforce landscape,” said Nurmurodov.
The surge in remittances aligns with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s strategic directives to enhance international labor collaboration and recruit more Uzbeks for global employment opportunities.
The latest figures underscore a shift in Uzbek labor migration trends. Traditionally focused on Russia, migration patterns now reveal expanded interest in European and East Asian countries, with substantial remittance gains from Poland, Korea, and the UAE. Increased employment opportunities abroad have led the Foreign Labor Migration Agency to partner with South Korea, introducing new E-8 (seasonal work) and E-7 (skilled work) visas, which complement existing E-9 visas. This expansion allows Uzbeks to pursue careers in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, with competitive salaries up to $2,500 in Korea’s expanding sectors.
Poland’s recent recruitment initiative, launched in February, offers Uzbeks skilled positions in metal construction with entry salaries starting at €750. Requirements include proficiency in Russian or English and a clean legal record, with benefits such as accommodation, medical insurance, and transportation support. Germany, on a similar track, seeks to employ up to 50,000 Uzbeks under the “Ausbildung” vocational program, offering salaries between €1,000 and €2,000, with German language training provided for seamless integration.
While migration to Russia remains strong—driven by employment needs within Russia’s wartime economy—Uzbekistan’s remittance diversification is helping build a broader economic foundation. The World Bank’s recent report praised Uzbekistan’s focus on foreign investment, infrastructure, and services sector development. As private consumption rises, remittance inflows from countries like Korea and Poland support economic resilience and lessen dependency on traditional resource exports.
By broadening its employment destinations, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a key player in the global labor market. Through organized migration efforts and international collaborations, the Mirziyoyev administration is enhancing skills, supporting migrant welfare, and advancing Uzbekistan’s economic growth across borders.
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