Uzbekistan remittances jump 13% to $9.3 billion in first half of 2026

Uzbekistan saw a significant 13% surge in remittances during the first half of 2026, reaching $9.3 billion. This increase, amounting to $1.1 billion more than the same period in 2025, is attributed to sustained labor demand and favorable wage levels in traditional migration destinations, alongside the strengthening of host countries' national currencies.

The report highlights a notable diversification in migration patterns. Remittances from the United Kingdom experienced a dramatic 62% increase, while those from EU countries collectively rose by 27%, and from the United States by 19%. Within the EU, Ireland saw the most substantial growth in remittances, up 86%, followed by Lithuania at 18% and the Netherlands at 7%. This shift indicates a growing trend of Uzbek citizens seeking employment in more developed economies.

Furthermore, the method of receiving these funds is evolving. Over half of the remittances, totaling $4.8 billion, were directly transferred to bank cards via P2P services, marking a 32% increase. This shift is credited to the efficiency, speed, and lower costs associated with digital payment platforms. In contrast, traditional money transfer systems saw only a marginal 0.3% growth, while transfers via SWIFT declined by 43%.