On 21 February 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with British Embassy Dushanbe, hosted the Diplomatic Platform on Migration and Diversification of Labour Migration Pathways for Tajikistan at the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe.

This high-level event brought together representatives of diplomatic missions, development partners, and international organizations to discuss the expansion and diversification of safe and legal migration pathways for Tajik citizens. Participants explored existing practices in labour migration, including the United Kingdom (UK) Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS).  

"IOM is happy to partner with the UK Embassy in supporting the Government of Tajikistan in diversifying labor migration destinations for Tajik migrants. It is important to explore more available regular pathways for migration as well as building new corridors, involving like-minded partners. As the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme is one of the few big-scale circular migration mechanisms currently functional in Central Asia, it is natural to start here, analyzing the good practices and lessons learned and making conclusions for the future. We hope this Platform to become permanent and during periodic meetings to discuss various expanded destinations and schemes that are becoming available for the Tajik migrants" 

IOM has been successfully implementing the “Safe Migration of Seasonal Workers from Central Asia to the UK” project funded by UK International Development from the UK Government. This initiative supports the safe participation of migrants from Central Asia (CA) in the UK SWS. The project focuses on enhancing migrant protection through awareness raising, pre-departure orientation and hotline consultations on the UK SWS, as well as English language courses for prospective migrants. It helps re-integrate selected return migrants through financial and business literacy trainings and seed grants.

Since 2020, nearly 16,000 Tajik citizens have been issued seasonal worker visas, gaining valuable professional experience abroad and contributing to their families and communities upon return.

Her Excellency British Ambassador to Tajikistan, Katherine Smitton, emphasized the importance of strengthening and diversifying migration pathways, stating: "With increasing challenges for labour migrants, the rise of criminal organisations seeking to exploit migrants and Tajikistan’s growing young population, we see a pressing need for diversifying safe labour migration pathways for Tajik nationals. This includes protecting the rights of migrants and reducing risks throughout the migration process as they seek safer alternative migration routes"

The Diplomatic Platform represents a significant step in fostering stronger international partnerships to direct effort on diversification of migration pathways for Tajikistan migrants. IOM and its partners remain committed to advancing sustainable, diversified, and secure migration solutions, ensuring enhanced protection and economic opportunities for Tajik workers abroad.

For more information, please contact: nshekhova@iom.int