Türkiye and Uzbekistan are holding new talks to make it easier for Uzbek citizens to legally work in Türkiye. The discussions are centred on introducing an electronic work visa system that would allow Uzbeks to apply more easily for jobs. The plan would also include creating a shared migrant database to help both countries manage migration more effectively.
During the meeting in Ankara, the Uzbek delegation met with officials from the Turkish Ministry of Interior. The talks focused on improving labour cooperation and making the process simpler for Uzbeks who are already living in Türkiye. One of the proposals would allow those in Türkiye under different visas to apply for a work permit without traveling back to Uzbekistan first.
Officials said that many Turkish employers are interested in hiring more Uzbek workers, especially in tourist regions. Employers in Antalya have expressed interest in hiring around 1,000 Uzbek seasonal workers for hotel and hospitality roles. This hiring would be organized through the state employment agency Ozel İstihdam Burosu.
Another important part of the talks was the idea of creating a shared migration database. This system would allow both Türkiye and Uzbekistan to monitor labour movement, identify irregular migration, and improve law enforcement cooperation. Uzbek officials said that Türkiye has offered technical support to help connect both countries’ systems.
A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed soon between the two interior ministries. If everything goes as planned, the new visa system and shared migrant database could begin operating in early 2026. Officials believe this timeline will allow enough time for system testing and legal adjustments.
The government of Uzbekistan has welcomed Türkiye’s willingness to support labour mobility. For many Uzbek workers, Türkiye is a popular destination because of cultural ties, language similarities, and the availability of seasonal jobs.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has often said that Turkic-speaking nations share close cultural relations. He has previously stated that these countries can “count themselves as Turkish,” reflecting long-standing ties between the two societies.
The new visa proposal is expected to make migration smoother, reduce illegal employment, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. Many see it as a step toward deeper integration between Turkic partners