IOM in Tajikistan reviews results of first phase of labor migration program in Central Asia

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tajikistan has successfully completed the initial phase of its Labor Migration Program – Central Asia (LMP-CA). To mark this milestone, a seminar was held in Dushanbe on June 18. The event served as a platform to assess the program's accomplishments and define priorities for its upcoming stage. Representatives from government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and program beneficiaries convened to review the initiative's outcomes in an interactive discussion format.

Participants engaged with ten stories collected through interviews, scrutinizing their accuracy and completeness. In small groups, they discussed the narratives, identifying missing context, correcting factual errors, and ensuring the stories authentically reflected the experiences of those involved. These stories illuminated the program's work across four critical areas: enhancing migration governance institutions, broadening labor migration opportunities through new employment corridors, safeguarding migrants' rights during migration and upon their return, and supporting individuals who had migrated, returned home, or established businesses within their communities.

The second portion of the seminar addressed persistent challenges and areas where progress has been limited. Participants highlighted several ongoing issues, including a lack of awareness among migrants regarding available protection mechanisms, difficulties in sustaining institutional reforms without continuous support, and the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to reintegrating returning migrants. Based on these discussions, participants outlined several key priorities for the program's second phase.

A significant recommendation was to bolster the use of data in shaping migration policies. Participants emphasized that migration policies should be grounded in reliable and current statistics, which are currently limited in many respects. Another priority involves ensuring the more effective utilization of existing migration tools and mechanisms. While various support systems have been developed, many migrants remain unaware of them or lack confidence in their application. Participants also underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration among government agencies, international organizations, employers, civil society groups, and migrants themselves. "Systemic changes in the field of migration are possible if work is carried out simultaneously at several levels, with institutions, people, and data," stated Ms. Gulnora Kamolova, Head of the Labor Mobility and Inclusion Department. "The first phase laid a solid foundation. Now it is important not to lose the achievements and continue moving forward."

Following the seminar, the IOM will refine the collected stories based on participant feedback and coordinate their publication with partners. The final compilation aims to serve as a documentary record of the program's first phase, showcasing the changes achieved and their impact.

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Systemic changes in the field of migration are possible if work is carried out simultaneously at several levels, with institutions, people, and data. The first phase laid a solid foundation. Now it is important not to lose the achievements and continue moving forward.