ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with a high-level delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan led by Mr Bekhzod Musaev, Director of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Olimjon Abdullaev.
On 25 and 26 March, the ICMPD team and the delegation of Uzbekistan exchanged views on migration and priorities of Uzbekistan, with a particular focus on legal pathways and prevention of irregular migration. The meeting concluded with Mr Spindelegger and Mr Musaev signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for enhanced cooperation. Among its provisions, the MoU foresees the establishment of a joint Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Tashkent in 2025.
An MRC is a physical structure in the premises of a Ministry or government agency that supports labour migrants abroad. Its primary objectives are to raise awareness and provide relevant, accurate, and timely information on regular migration prospects, as well as to highlight the risks associated with irregular migration. This includes pre-departure information about the destination countries and information on migrants’ rights and responsibilities.
The MRCs employ counsellors who provide consultations on legal and labour migration for potential migrants and their families; and support for referral for returnees, including reintegration. In addition, they conduct outreach activities in migrant-sending regions to promote safe and legal migration pathways.
ICMPD currently operates two MRCs in Central Asia, namely in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The additional MRC in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will open in summer 2025.
By providing essential services, guidance, and reintegration support, the MRC in Tashkent will contribute to safer and informed migration. This reinforces the MRC's commitment to enhancing institutional capacities, protecting migrants, and fostering sustainable development.