Serbia Opens Labor Market to Uzbek Citizens

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Serbia plans to expand employment opportunities for Uzbek citizens under a new agreement on labor mobility and labor migration.

Serbia’s Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Milica Đurđević Stamenkovski described the agreement as historic and emphasized its importance for developing bilateral relations.

According to the minister, the agreement is the first document of its kind that Serbia has concluded with a foreign country. She said it demonstrates Belgrade’s intention to build a strategic partnership with Uzbekistan.

Stamenkovski said the agreement provides systemic guarantees for Uzbek citizens who will work in Serbia. In particular, Uzbek specialists will have the same rights as Serbian workers.

Additional demand for labor is expected in Serbia in connection with the Expo exhibition being held in the coming years. The minister said Serbia will need hardworking, skilled and conscientious workers, including specialists from Uzbekistan.

At the same time, the two countries are moving toward practical implementation of the agreements. Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency is holding direct talks with Serbian companies that need additional employees.

A special working group has been established to accelerate the process.

Stamenkovski also spoke about expected changes to Serbia’s minimum wage. Starting in early 2027, it is expected to reach 600 euros, while an increase to 650 euros is expected by the end of the year, she said.

The Serbian minister separately emphasized the uniqueness of the agreement for her country. According to her, Uzbekistan remains the first and only country with which Serbia has signed such an agreement.

Speaking about Uzbek citizens already living in Serbia, Stamenkovski noted that no violations of the law had been recorded.

She said Uzbek citizens respect the values of their host country and that the peoples of the two countries share hospitality and mutual respect.