OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports public hearings on labour migration

BISHKEK, 8 December 2009 - A draft law that would regulate the work of private employment agencies was discussed today at a public hearing on labour migration supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The hearing, organized by the Committee on Social Policy of the Kyrgyz Parliament, the non-governmental organization "Network of Labour Migrant Assistance Centres" and the Bishkek office of the Eurasia Foundation for Central Asia, focused on the socio-economic situation of Kyrgyz labour migrants who return home.

"Public discussion on the impact of the economic crisis on returning migrants and on the new draft law could pave the way for positive changes in implementing effective policies in this area," said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

"Co-operation between the public sector and private employment agencies could better regulate migration flows to the benefit of migrants, businesses and the state."

Kyrgyz officials, parliamentarians and representatives of private employment agencies as well as non-governmental organizations discussed migration trends, including the return and reintegration of migrants, and proposed amendments to the draft law.

Nurbiubiu Kerimova, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs and Interparliamentary Co-operation at the Kyrgyz Parliament, added: "At the moment we do not have legislation that specifically regulates private employment agencies. The draft law we are proposing today will provide a legal framework for the agencies' work and stimulate further development of this sector."

Participants agreed to form a working group to finalize the proposed amendments to the law, taking into account comments and recommendations expressed at the meeting.

The public hearing was held in the framework of the OSCE Centre's programme on labour migration and employment.