The key facts
- The Migration Agency of Uzbekistan supported the creation of a German-Uzbek driving school to train bus and truck drivers according to the requests of German employers.
- The possibility of recognition of Uzbekistan's driving licences in Germany was discussed with the authorised bodies; no final decision has been made yet.
- Following the meeting, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Migration Agency and Global Talent Alliance.
Talks between the Migration Agency and German companies
Deputy Director of the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan Elyor Toshtemirov held talks with representatives of the German companies TSK Logistik and Global Talent Alliance. The meeting focused on employment of Uzbek citizens in Germany's transport and logistics sector and their training to European standards. A proposal was voiced at the meeting to create a joint German-Uzbek driving school that would train bus and freight vehicle drivers taking into account employers' requests.
Possible recognition of driving licences
The parties also discussed coordinating with the authorised bodies the possibilities of recognising Uzbekistan's driving licences in Germany. According to Daryo.uz, citing the Migration Agency, the talks concerned direct recognition of national driving licences, but no final decision on this issue has yet been made. The Agency declared its readiness to support the initiative and facilitate its implementation.
Visa problems and a cooperation agreement
The talks also touched upon the problems faced by candidates when applying for work visas to Germany. Following the meeting, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Migration Agency and Global Talent Alliance.
Context: previous Uzbek-German projects
During the June visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, two Uzbek-German projects in vocational training involving the Migration Agency were launched; according to the Agency, each cost over $1 million. The Intil vocational training centre launched a targeted training programme with Deutsche Bahn for 500 railway sector specialists. Behzod Musayev, who headed the Agency at the time, announced plans to train, with DB's support, up to 2,500 people — railway specialists and bus drivers. In addition, in December 2023 Uzbekistan and the UAE signed a memorandum on mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences, which entered into force on 27 January 2024: citizens of both countries may drive vehicles on their national licences during short-term visits.
