Uzbekistan, US Expand Cooperation on Labor Migration

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and the United States have agreed to expand cooperation in labor migration, workforce training, and the protection of citizens’ rights, following discussions held during the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in New York.

The meeting brought together representatives of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the country’s embassy in the United States. At the opening of the forum, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director-General Amy Pope outlined key global migration policy priorities.

Migration Agency head Behzod Musaev informed participants about ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan’s migration system, the development of vocational and language training programs, and the results of international cooperation. He said Uzbekistan views migration not only as an economic necessity but also as a tool for investing in human capital.

During talks with Uguchi Daniels, Deputy Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, the sides discussed the protection of citizens working abroad, as well as organizational aspects of holding an International Migration Forum in Tashkent.

As part of the visit, the Uzbek delegation held a series of meetings with US educational and industry organizations. An agreement was signed with Logan University on cooperation, including targeted training of medical professionals for the US labor market, joint educational programs, and human capital development.

Discussions with Missouri Trucking School focused on training and employment mechanisms for truck drivers under a 160-hour program aligned with US standards.

The Migration Agency and the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) also discussed organizing a labor forum with US employers and expanding seasonal employment programs.

Separate agreements were reached with Head Honchos on H-2A visa processing, promotion of Uzbekistan’s agricultural workforce in the US labor market, and the launch of preparatory training programs lasting eight to ten weeks.

The Uzbek side also held talks with the law firm Ballon Stoll on employment opportunities in the United States under visa categories O, H-2A, H-2B, H-1B, and E. The discussions focused on strengthening legal protection mechanisms for Uzbek citizens working in the United States.