Uzbekistan places 172,000 returning migrants in permanent jobs in 9M26
More than 1.1mn Uzbek citizens returned from abroad in January–September 2026, with 172,000 finding permanent jobs and 349,000 becoming self-employed, while 257,000 returnees who remained in the country were still unemployed.
Uzbekistan has placed 172,000 returning migrants in permanent jobs in 9M26
More than 1.1 million Uzbek citizens came back from abroad in January–September 2026, and 172,000 of them found permanent work while another 349,000 became self-employed, Sabir Khaitmurodov, head of a department at the Ministry of Employment, said at a press conference in Tashkent on October 28.
Among those who returned, 883,000 stayed in Uzbekistan, while more than 200,000 later left the country again, citing seasonal reasons.
Khaitmurodov added that another 34,000 citizens opened individual businesses during the reporting period.
At the same time, 257,000 returning citizens are still unemployed, making up nearly 29% of those who remained in the country. He said authorities are working to help them secure jobs.
Uzbekistan’s labor market has about 300,000–400,000 officially registered vacancies, and the real figure may be higher if informal openings are included.
Many employers, especially in trade, catering and other sectors, do not post vacancies publicly. Instead, they notify local officials, including assistant khokims, who help match jobseekers with available positions.
Earlier, it was reported that about 80,000 citizens across Uzbekistan were receiving unemployment benefits. The maximum unemployment benefit is three times the minimum wage, or UZS 4.08mn ($340).