REMITTANCE DEPENDENCE AND LABOR MIGRATION: PROTECTION OF UZBEK MIGRANTS ABROAD
Abstract
Labour migration plays a huge role in the economy of Uzbekistan, with more than one million citizens employed abroad and remittances remain a major pillar of economic stability. This research paper analyzes the issues of remittance dependence, labor migration and protection of Uzbek migrants abroad. This paper examines how domestic unemployment, low wages, limited access to employment opportunities effect migration. It also analyzes migration of Uzbek citizens before and after 2017, highlighting legal protection of Uzbek migrants abroad. The main focus of the paper is vulnerability of migrants, especially female migrant workers and individuals who work in informal sectors. This research paper answers the questions why many Uzbek citizens leave their country for work, what are the root causes, how this issue has changed over time and what can be done to address this issue. The paper concludes by proposing recommendations to strengthen labor market, to address the issues of skill mismatch and female migration.
Keywords
Uzbekistan, labor migration, remittance dependence, migrant protection, skills mismatch, female migration, ‘Mardikor’ phenomenon, overeducation.
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