The International Organization for Migration (International Organization for Migration) and the Government of Uzbekistan have jointly held the first-ever Tashkent International Migration Forum, bringing global attention to labour migration and migrant protection.
The two-day event, held on May 18–19, 2026 in Tashkent, focused on the theme “Social and Legal Protection of Labor Migrants and Their Family Members.” It was organized in partnership with Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers and gathered more than 600 participants from over 40 countries across Central Asia, Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The forum highlighted the growing role of migration in global development. According to the 2026 World Migration Report by IOM, there are around 304 million international migrants worldwide, including about 168 million labour migrants. These workers contribute significantly to global economic growth and send billions of dollars in remittances to families each year.
Officials and experts at the forum discussed how to expand safe and legal migration pathways, improve protection for migrant workers, and strengthen cooperation between countries of origin and destination. Special focus was also placed on the impact of climate change on population movement, which is increasingly shaping migration trends.
Uzbekistan, a country with a population of over 38 million and a young workforce, emphasized the importance of protecting its citizens working abroad. Around 1.2 million Uzbeks are currently employed overseas, and remittances play a key role in the national economy.
Behzod Musaev, Director of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency, said the country wants its citizens to be respected and valued globally for their skills and hard work, no matter where they work.
International experts, including IOM Regional Director Arthur Erken, stressed that migration must be managed in a way that benefits both migrants and host societies. He noted that forums like this help countries design fair and effective migration systems.
The forum also reinforced Uzbekistan’s alignment with global migration frameworks such as the Global Compact for Migration, positioning the country as an active participant in international migration reform efforts.