Kyrgyzstan has taken a major step to improve the safety and structure of its labor migration system with the opening of a new support center in Osh. The initiative is part of the government’s wider effort to ensure that citizens seeking work abroad are better prepared, protected, and supported throughout their migration journey.
The new facility, officially launched on April 29, combines the functions of the Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad and a Pre-Departure Training and Migrant Reintegration Center. It is designed to serve as a one-stop hub for individuals planning to work overseas, offering guidance from the early preparation stage to their return home.
The project was implemented by the International Organization for Migration under its “Labour Migration – Central Asia” program, with financial and technical backing from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. This collaboration reflects growing international support for safer migration systems in Central Asia.
At the core of the new center’s mission is the provision of reliable and practical support services. Migrants can access detailed information about legal employment pathways, ensuring they avoid irregular or unsafe routes. The center also offers pre-departure training sessions that prepare individuals for life and work abroad, including cultural orientation and employment expectations.
In addition, the facility provides consultations on migrant rights, employment contracts, and workplace protections. A key focus is raising awareness about the risks of labor exploitation and human trafficking, which remain serious concerns for many migrant workers globally. By educating citizens before departure, the center aims to reduce vulnerability and improve outcomes.
The Osh center also plays an active role in connecting job seekers with opportunities abroad. It assists with job searches, provides verified vacancy listings, and organizes online interviews with foreign employers. This structured approach helps ensure that migrants secure legitimate employment before leaving the country.
According to Esenbek Ergeshov, a senior official in the migration sector, the Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad facilitated overseas job placements for about 5,500 Kyrgyz citizens in 2025. Private recruitment agencies supported an additional 19,500 placements, highlighting the scale of labor migration as a key economic activity for the country.
Kyrgyzstan is also working to expand its migration destinations beyond traditional routes. While Russia remains the leading destination for Kyrgyz workers, there is increasing interest in countries such as Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and several European nations. This diversification is expected to create more opportunities and reduce dependence on a single labor market.
The opening of the Osh center signals a strong commitment by Kyrgyzstan to promote safe, orderly, and well-managed migration. By equipping citizens with the right information, skills, and support systems, the country aims to protect its workforce while maximizing the economic benefits of working abroad.