About 1.4 million Uzbeks work abroad.
Approximately 1.4 million Uzbek citizens are currently working outside the country, demonstrating the country's active participation in global international labor migration processes. According to the Migration Agency, these citizens are working in nearly 40 countries worldwide, as indicated in a Central Bank survey on individuals' foreign exchange transactions.
A significant shift in the distribution of migration flows has been noted. The share of Uzbeks working in CIS countries has decreased by 29%, while their presence in European countries has increased by 42% and in East Asian countries by 26%.
The geographic distribution of Uzbek labor migrants is as follows:
* Russia — 834,200
* European countries — 258,000
* Kazakhstan — 84,400
* Turkey — 72,100
* South Korea — 46,400
* Other countries — 97,700
Women and youth make up almost 60% of labor migrants. Women account for 398,900 (28.6%), while youth account for 402,100 (28.9%).
Experts emphasize that the significant wage gap between Uzbekistan and migrant-receiving countries remains the main economic driver for migration.