27 and 28 March, Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The Seasonal Workers Scheme to the UK is increasingly recruiting Central Asians, primarily from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. In Tajikistan, participation in the Seasonal Workers Scheme has surged, with the number of workers traveling to the UK for agricultural employment rising from a few hundred in 2018 to now thousands. However, this rapid growth also brings various risks for Tajik migrants heading to the UK.

Many prospective migrants lack essential information about recruitment procedures, travel arrangements, job specifics, working and living conditions, health and safety regulations, financial considerations, and their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge gap can leave them vulnerable and at risk, especially if they encounter difficulties while in the UK and are unsure where to seek assistance.

Moreover, Tajik migrants accustomed to working in the Russian Federation face significant differences in regulations, working conditions, language, culture, and other requirements when transitioning to employment in the UK. Without comprehensive information, migrants may find themselves in precarious situations.

To address these challenges, the UN Migration Agency (IOM), in collaboration with the British Embassy in Tajikistan, organized two informative Q&A sessions in Dushanbe for both prospective and return migrants participating in the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme. The sessions featured an expert panel comprising a legal advisor, a financial and remittance specialist, a researcher specializing in the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme, the deputy director of Dushanbe’s Pre-Departure Orientation Centre, and an IOM consultant with expertise in the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme.

Ms. Cristina Tranca, Chief of Mission of IOM Tajikistan, emphasized the importance of informed migration, highlighting that knowledge empowers migrants to protect themselves and others. The audience engaged actively, proposing a variety of questions, ranging from how to identify fraudulent recruitment practices to inquiries about work conditions, accommodations, salaries, taxes, access to healthcare, English language learning opportunities, and recreational activities in the UK.

The session concluded with remarks from His Excellency Mr. Tim Jones, the British Ambassador in Tajikistan, who expressed gratitude to both prospective and returning migrants for their contributions to the UK economy and agricultural sector. He acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the Tajik people and thanked them for their significant role in the UK.

This event was made possible through funding from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.