OSCE-supported workshop explored links between research and policy-making in Central Asia

Collection and analysis of migration-related data to shape effective policy-making were the focus of a two-day workshop organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Employment and Labour Relations Ministry of Uzbekistan, on 16 and 17 September 2019 in Tashkent.

Some 60 participants, including policy-makers, representatives of civil society and research institutions from all five Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation as well as international and regional organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UNESCAP), and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), shared experiences and lessons learned in developing research and analysis to inform migration policymaking.

“The recent legislative changes and practical steps in the area of labour migration management demonstrate the strong commitment of Uzbekistan to harnessing the economic potential of migration for the development of the country,” said Komil Rashidov, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. 

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, John MacGregor, said that migration is a significant engine of economic growth if managed and regulated properly. “To this end, it is important that legislation and reforms are based on evidence, aligned with international standards, including OSCE commitments, and meet migrants’ needs.”

Victoria Kasabyan, Head of the IOM Almaty Office, underlined the role of international organizations as catalysts of dialogue and co-operation between state authorities and research centres in order to shape common approaches to enhance the effectiveness of migration policies.

As part of the workshop, participants visited the Consultation Centre at the Agency on External Labour Migration recently established with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, as well as the vocational education and training centre “Ishga Markhamat” (Welcome to Employment).

The workshop was organized as part of the OSCE engagement to promote a multi-agency and multi-stakeholder dialogue to improve labour migration governance in Central Asia with the aim to support labour mobility and effective migration policies in the region.