Uzbek citizens now have new opportunities to work on cruise ships around the world, with salaries reaching up to $4,000 per month, according to the Agency for External Labor Migration.
A memorandum of understanding was recently signed between the agency and Kouzon Corporation, a Macedonian company specializing in recruitment for cruise liners. The agreement was formalized during a meeting with Kouzon's Executive Director, Zoran Kochoski, in Tashkent.
Under the partnership, Uzbek nationals with English proficiency can now apply for organized employment on international tourist ships operating across the Mediterranean, Pacific Ocean, Scandinavia, Baltic Sea, and Caribbean routes.
Kouzon Corporation has over 28 years of experience in 18 countries and recruits up to 25,000 specialists annually for the cruise industry. For new employees, salaries start at $1,200 per month during a six-month contract, followed by a two-month break. On subsequent contracts, pay can rise to $4,000, depending on experience. The company also covers accommodation and meals onboard.
To streamline employment, C1/D transit visas—required for working on cruise ships—will be arranged by the employer and processed within 45 to 90 days. A Roadmap outlining the project’s implementation is currently under development.
The initiative aligned with a presidential decree aimed at expanding overseas employment for Uzbek citizens. Starting November 1, 2024, the following measures came into effect:
- Job postings from foreign employers were made public through the Migration Agency’s website, media, and social networks;
- Citizens were able to create and submit résumés via the agency's electronic platform and apply directly for jobs;
- Migrant workers became eligible for microloans of up to UZS 10mn (approximately $800) for a period of two years;
- Free consulting services were made available for employment assistance and visa-related document preparation.
Additionally, from December 1, 2024, vocational and foreign language training programs for those interested in working abroad were launched in collaboration with educational institutions.
As part of efforts to encourage ethical recruitment practices, the licensing fees for private employment agencies were lowered—from 8,500 to 4,000 times the minimum wage.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)