The Migration Agency of Uzbekistan reported that Uzbekistan and Sweden held discussions on plans to attract Uzbek workers for employment in the agriculture, construction, and healthcare sectors under a pilot labor mobility program.
The negotiations took place on November 12 at the first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the Pilot Partnership Program for Migration (PMMP). Representatives from the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan, the Swedish Migration Agency, diplomatic services of both countries, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) participated in the meeting.
The parties identified three potential areas of cooperation. The first area covers seasonal jobs in agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The second relates to skilled professions, including welders and certain construction specialties. The third is aimed at training medical workers followed by employment.
Preliminary figures were discussed during the talks, including groups of up to 100 seasonal workers, 50 welders, and 100 healthcare specialists. However, these figures have not yet been approved by employers as quotas or commitments.
Bekhzod Abdurakhmonov, Director of the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan, proposed moving towards specific pilot recruitment rounds parallel to the development of a general program. The parties plan to define four or five priority professions and agree on employer requirements regarding qualifications, language, and candidate training schedules.
Uzbekistan stated its readiness to organize preliminary candidate selection and provide professional and language training. Foreign instructors may be involved if necessary. Qualification assessment can also be conducted with the participation of potential employers.
The parties separately discussed healthcare training, using the example of the Södermanland region in Sweden. The proposed model involves candidates studying the Swedish language in Uzbekistan up to B2 level before continuing their studies in Sweden to reach C1 level. A C1 level is required to meet professional certification standards, but a separate recruitment program for medical workers has not yet been agreed upon.
The IOM confirmed its readiness to support the project within the framework of a joint declaration of intent. Participants also discussed the transparency of candidate selection, verification of employer staffing needs, and measures to prevent illegal employment and intermediary abuses.
Future plans include establishing direct contacts between Swedish employers, industry associations, and licensed private employment agencies in Uzbekistan. The possibility of an introductory trip for representatives of Swedish companies to Uzbekistan is also being considered. Meetings between recruiting companies from the two countries may take place in early 2027. If employer demand is confirmed, the parties intend to prepare the first groups of candidates for subsequent recruitment stages.
Participants agreed to continue developing an action plan and holding regular online consultations. The next in-person meeting of the steering committee may take place in Uzbekistan at the end of January 2027.
