The key facts

  • In January–June 2026, 1.179 million Uzbeks went to work in Russia, versus 1.358 million a year earlier (−13.2%)
  • The number of Uzbek migrants is growing in the EU (+13.2% in 2025), Turkey (+10.7%) and South Korea (+3.3%)
  • Transfers from Russia to Uzbekistan rose by 8.8%, but the Central Bank allows for their decline in the future

Decline in Labor Migration to Russia

In the first half of 2026, the number of Uzbek citizens who went to work in Russia amounted to 1.179 million people, which is 13.2% less than in the same period last year. This data is provided by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan's 'Labor Market Review'. For comparison: in January–June 2025, 1.358 million people went to Russia to earn money.

Growth of Migration to Other Countries

At the same time, Uzbek labor migrants are traveling to other countries more actively. According to the report, in 2025 the number of Uzbeks in the European Union grew by 13.2%, and in Turkey by 10.7%. As of July 1, 2026, there were 70 thousand citizens of Uzbekistan in Turkey (+9.3% year on year), and 102.2 thousand Uzbeks were registered in South Korea (+3.3%).

Transfers Continue to Grow

Despite the decline in labor migration to Russia, the volume of money transfers from that country to Uzbekistan in the first half of 2026 increased by 8.8% compared to the same period last year.

Central Bank Warning and the Labor Market Situation

The Central Bank noted that the reduction of labor migration in certain countries may further negatively affect money transfers, household incomes and consumer demand. In addition, in the second quarter of 2026, the number of announced vacancies decreased by 9.8%, while job seeker activity remains high and competition in the labor market has intensified.