Tajikistan is stepping up efforts to diversify labor migration flows, expanding cooperation with European and Asian countries, as the government seeks to open new overseas employment opportunities for its citizens.

Speaking at a press conference, Tajik Minister of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population Soleha Kholmahmadzoda said the strategy reflects the results of the ministry’s work in 2025 and aims to reduce dependence on a limited number of destination countries, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

The minister noted that a memorandum was signed in November 2025 between Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment, and relevant institutions of the Kingdom of Belgium. The document is currently undergoing domestic approval procedures and will allow Tajik citizens to work in Benelux countries - Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg - in agriculture, construction, social services, and healthcare.

At the same time, Tajikistan is expanding labor migration channels to Japan. Within a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese side, the Ministry of Labor has established a working group and developed a mechanism for employment under the “Specified Skilled Worker” status. Relevant documents have been sent to Tajikistan’s embassy in Japan for publication on the website of the Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO).

In addition, the state-run Agency for Employment Abroad has prepared a draft agreement with Japanese employers, resulting in 10 Tajik citizens already securing jobs.

Cooperation is also continuing with countries in the Middle East and East Asia. Through engagement with employers in the Qatar, more than 500 Tajik citizens have been employed with the support of relevant ministry structures.

Kholmahmadzoda separately highlighted growing ties with the South Korea. In 2025, the Korean side allocated 800 labor migration quotas for Tajik citizens. After completing vocational training and passing the EPS-TOPIK exam, 21 candidates were employed via South Korea’s official job portal, while documentation is currently being finalized for other 12 applicants.

In conclusion, the minister noted that Tajikistan also maintains labor migration agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, and several other countries, underscoring a broad push to expand safe and legal employment pathways abroad.