Labor migration patterns across Central Asia are shifting, with more workers reportedly turning to European destinations in search of better opportunities.

Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences Liubov Bisson said that while Russia remains the primary destination for many migrants, an increasing number are now heading to countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Bulgaria, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

She noted that many workers from Central Asian states often use these countries as a stepping stone, gaining experience before moving further into Western Europe, where higher wages are available.

At the same time, business representatives say employers are increasingly considering workers from countries such as India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Kenya as more cost-effective alternatives, as their salary expectations are often significantly lower than those of some Central Asian labor migrants.