Remittance inflows into Uzbekistan injected over $11.3bn into the economy from January to September, representing a 34.8% y/y increase. 

The growth, reported by Daryo Central Asia & Afghanistan, was largely driven by a 97% surge in remittances from Poland, according to Mamarizo Nurmurodov, chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU).

In the Monthly Fiscal Policy Report, Nurmurodov also highlighted additional substantial gains from other key regions, including South Korea (76%), the United Kingdom (67%), and the United Arab Emirates (66%), alongside a more modest rise from Russia (35%). 

“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,” he stated.

The surge in remittances aligns with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s strategic directives aimed at enhancing international labour collaboration and increasing the recruitment of Uzbeks for employment opportunities in a diverse range of countries. 

The latest data stresses a shift in Uzbek labour migration trends. Traditionally focused on Russia, migration patterns are now expanding towards European and East Asian countries.

In response to widening employment opportunities abroad, the Foreign Labour Migration Agency has partnered with South Korea to introduce new E-8 (seasonal work) and E-7 (skilled work) visas, complementing existing E-9 visas. 

This initiative allows Uzbeks to pursue careers in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, with competitive salaries reaching up to $2,500 in Korea’s burgeoning sectors.

In September, Poland expressed interest in attracting labour migrants from Uzbekistan. It plans to establish a visa centre in Tashkent, as discussed in a meeting between Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Warsaw, Amirsaid Agzamkhodjaev, and senior officials from Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Poland also launched a recruitment initiative in February, offering Uzbeks skilled positions in metal construction with entry salaries starting at €750.

Requirements for these positions include proficiency in Russian or English and a clean legal record, with benefits that encompass accommodation, medical insurance and transportation support. 

Similarly, Germany aims to employ up to 50,000 Uzbeks under the “Ausbildung” vocational programme, offering salaries between €1,000 and €2,000, while providing German language training for smoother integration.

From January to June, Uzbekistan received $6.5bn in cross-border money transfers, with nearly $5bn (77%) coming from Russia, primarily from Uzbek labour migrants. 

However, the number of Uzbek workers in Russia has declined from 4-6mn to about 1mn over the past eight years, with further decreases expected as Uzbekistan's expanding construction sector offers more competitive wages.