Slovakia Seeks Skilled Workers from Uzbekistan

Bratislava has hosted the conference “Sustainable Labor Migration in Practical Steps,” organized by Slovakia’s Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The event focused on sharing international experience in managing labor migration, showcasing best practices in bilateral cooperation, and discussing current policies, programs, and emerging trends, The Caspian Post informs via Uzbek media.

Participants included representatives of Slovak government institutions, employers’ associations, trade unions, labor migration experts, diplomats, and international organizations.

Opening the conference, Karol Jokl, Director of the Department of International Relations and European Affairs at the Slovak Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family emphasized that Slovakia faces a significant workforce shortage across several key sectors - a challenge that requires new approaches to international labor recruitment.

In response to these needs, Slovakia adopted a new national migration policy strategy in June 2025. The policy aims to expand opportunities for labor migrants, simplify procedures, and strengthen integration measures, particularly for in-demand specialists from non-EU countries.

IOM Subregional Office Director Gianluca Rocco reaffirmed the organization’s readiness to support all stakeholders involved.

Speaking at the conference, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Slovakia (based in Vienna) Bakhtiyor Ibragimov outlined ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at improving external labor migration systems. He noted Slovakia’s interest in legally attracting qualified and organized workers from Uzbekistan and expressed Tashkent’s readiness for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.

The diplomat also highlighted that labor migration is not only economically important, but also plays a key role in strengthening cultural ties and fostering friendship between the peoples of both countries.