Tajikistan’s Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population (MoLMEP) has presented its performance report for the first half of the year, highlighting major achievements in international cooperation, overseas employment, and the protection of migrant rights.
To regulate migration flows and diversify employment destinations, the Ministry signed a series of intergovernmental agreements and memorandums of understanding with various countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, South Korea, and Japan.
In total, 37 international agreements with 15 countries have been finalized, 13 of which specifically address labor migration and are already in effect. Additionally, nine more agreements are in the negotiation stage, involving potential partnerships with Georgia, Poland, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia, and Croatia.
Nearly 9,500 citizens employed abroad in six months
Between January and June 2025, 29 licensed employment agencies facilitated the overseas employment of 9,478 Tajik citizens. Among them, 5,648 people secured jobs through the state-run Agency for Overseas Employment.
South Korea granted Tajikistan 800 work quotas under the EPS (Employment Permit System). Of the 35 candidates who completed Korean language training, 26 passed the qualifying exam, with a new group currently being formed. The collaboration with South Korea is reportedly gaining momentum.
Interest in employment opportunities in Japan is also growing, with 68 applicants registered so far. Four have already secured positions, while another eight have successfully passed interviews.
Strategic talks with Russia and Saudi Arabia
From January 28 to 31, a series of high-level talks were held in Moscow as part of an interagency dialogue with Russia. Discussions focused on labor migration, workforce training, and the implementation of joint projects. Among the topics were the recruitment of labor, creation of new employment channels, and sharing of expertise in labor resource management.
According to the Ministry, over 80 Russian companies expressed interest in organized recruitment of Tajik workers, signaling increasing demand for the country’s labor force.
Ties with Saudi Arabia are also deepening. During a recent visit, key meetings were held with the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and the head of Arco, a major employment company. At a news conference, officials emphasized Tajikistan's ongoing commitment to enhancing international partnerships, ensuring legal protection for its migrant workers, and promoting safe, lawful employment abroad.
