Introduction
Over 2.1 million Uzbek nationals live abroad, primarily as labour migrants in Russia and Kazakhstan. The CIS free-movement framework allows Uzbek citizens to enter Russia and Kazakhstan without visas, making these the most accessible destinations. South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) has become increasingly popular for Uzbek workers. Turkey and the UAE offer additional employment opportunities. Uzbekistan's government has actively promoted organised labour migration through bilateral agreements with destination countries.
Top Destinations for Emigrants from Uzbekistan
| Destination (diaspora size) |
|---|
| Russia (1.2M) |
| Kazakhstan (400K) |
| Turkey (100K) |
| South Korea (70K) |
| US (50K) |
| UAE (30K) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does labour migration to Russia work?
Uzbek citizens enter Russia visa-free under CIS agreements. To work legally, they must obtain a patent (work authorisation) from the migration service within 30 days of arrival. The patent requires a medical exam, health insurance, Russian language test, and monthly fees (approximately RUB 5,000-7,000/month depending on the region). The patent system is relatively straightforward and allows employment with any employer in the specified region. Remittances from Russia to Uzbekistan exceeded USD 10 billion in 2023. The main risks are exchange rate volatility (ruble fluctuations affect remittance value) and periodic anti-migrant policy changes.
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