Uzbekistan and ICMPD Discuss Expansion of Migration Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 25 November 2025, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Olimjon Abdullaev met with Radim Zak, Regional Director of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The talks focused on expanding cooperation in migration policy, simplifying visa procedures for Uzbek citizens seeking employment in European Union countries, and involving Uzbek specialists in ICMPD’s educational programs. ICMPD representatives confirmed their readiness to facilitate the expedited approval of intergovernmental agreements and to expand professional retraining programs aligned with the needs of the European labor market.

The parties agreed to develop mechanisms for sustainable reintegration of citizens returning from Sweden and discussed the implementation of the regional BOMCA-11 program. Radim Zak was informed of the positive decision to open a full-fledged ICMPD office in Uzbekistan and confirmed the organization’s intention to strengthen practical cooperation across all discussed areas.

ICMPD is an intergovernmental organization established in 1993 by Austria and Switzerland. It comprises 21 member states and over 200 international partners, serving as a key platform for developing and promoting modern approaches in migration policy.