In 2024, remittances from Tajik labor migrants accounted for 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP, according to the World Bank (WB) report “The Journey Ahead: Supporting Successful Migration in Europe and Central Asia.”

The World Bank’ study analyzes current migration trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region.  The report's presentation was attended by government officials responsible for regulating external migration, as well as experts from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Migration trends

In 2024, more than 80% of labor migrants from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan headed to Russia.

Migration flows from Uzbekistan were more diverse: 57% worked in Russia, 15% in Kazakhstan, and 10% in Ukraine. Despite the complex international environment, demand for labor in host countries remains high, sustaining a stable migration trend.

Economic significance of migration

Labor migration remains one of the key income sources for millions of citizens in Central Asian countries. Remittances sent by labor migrants make up a significant share of some regional economies.  As of 2024, their share in Tajikistan’s GDP reached 45%—the highest in the world in relative terms. In Kyrgyzstan, remittances accounted for 24% of GDP, while in Uzbekistan, they made up 14%.

Migration significantly improves the living standards of migrant workers and their families. Working abroad allows them to double or even triple their income, providing substantial financial support to relatives. In Kyrgyzstan, the poverty rate among households receiving remittances is below 10%, whereas without them, it would exceed 50%. In Uzbekistan, estimates suggest that without remittances, the poverty rate would rise from 9.6% to 16.8%.

According to the report, migration remains a major development challenge in the ECA region, where approximately 100 million migrants reside, making up one-third of the global migrant population. Key drivers of migration include income disparities, demographic imbalances, climate change, and armed conflicts. These factors are driving increased labor migration from Central Asian countries, particularly to Russia and Kazakhstan.

World Bank recommendations

The World Bank report emphasizes the need for regional migration policies to adapt to changing economic and geopolitical conditions. Key priorities include developing social protection programs for labor migrants, simplifying employment procedures abroad, and creating favorable conditions for remittance utilization in long-term economic growth.

Experts argue that strengthening bilateral and multilateral agreements between migrant-sending and migrant-receiving countries will help reduce illegal employment risks and improve working conditions abroad.

The World Bank suggests measures for effective migration management, including:

• Differentiating migration types, considering distinctions between skilled and unskilled migrants and their reasons for migration.
• Integrating migration processes into workforce competitiveness strategies, such as professional training programs and efficient migrant workforce distribution according to market needs.
• Preventing “brain drain” and encouraging the return of skilled professionals through labor market monitoring, joint education funding, and national labor market reforms.
• Developing safe migration mechanisms, signing bilateral agreements to protect migrants' rights, and ensuring access to reliable information on foreign job opportunities.

Key facts about Tajikistan from the World Bank report

1. Remittances and their economic impact -- Tajikistan is one of the three countries with the highest share of remittances in GDP—over 30%. Around 36% of households in the lowest-income category receive remittances monthly, compared to 27% in the wealthiest category. Following the sharp depreciation of the Russian ruble after the Ukraine conflict began, remittances to Tajikistan fell by 57%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remittances to Central Asia declined by more than 50% in April 2020.

2. Labor Migration -- In Tajikistan, 80% of migrants are men, mainly engaged in temporary jobs.

About 60% of Tajik temporary migrants were unemployed before leaving.  Russia remains the primary destination for Tajik migrants.  Tajikistan has established a new state migration service to address labor migration issues.

3. Impact of Migration on Education -- In remittance-receiving families, boys have shown improved educational performance.  In high-migration regions, youth are more likely to forgo professional education in favor of working abroad.

4. Demographic Situation -- Tajikistan has a relatively young population structure, creating significant pressure on the labor market.