Germany has entered into a migration agreement with Uzbekistan aimed at attracting skilled labor to address labor shortages, while also preparing measures for the return of migrants. This initiative comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments within Germany. However, the actual numbers of migrants from Uzbekistan remain low, reflecting broader challenges in migration policies and relations with Central Asian countries.

On September 15, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a migration agreement with Uzbekistan facilitating the entry of skilled workers into Germany, although details remain sparse. Scholz stated that the deal addresses the country’s need for competent professionals while ensuring straightforward repatriation procedures for those requiring return to their home country. Germany faces a dual challenge: appeasing rising anti-immigrant sentiments following the electoral success of far-right parties while simultaneously addressing labor shortages that plague its economy. This delicate balance has resulted in agreements designed to appear strict on illegal migration while fostering opportunities for skilled labor and students, as insightfully remarked by Yan Matusevich, a researcher focused on Eurasian migration. Historically, Central Asians, particularly from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, have migrated predominantly to Russia, but the current war in Ukraine has complicated this path. Migrants are facing significant challenges, including increased military recruitment and intensified raids by authorities, rendering life exceedingly precarious in Russia. As a result, Western nations, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom, are looking to Central Asia as a potential labor source. The overall impact of new migration policies has been limited so far; for instance, despite some interest in the Seasonal Workers Scheme in the UK, overall migration numbers and remittances from the UK remain lower than those from countries like South Korea. In Germany, the migrant pool from Uzbekistan remains minimal. Only approximately 13,700 Uzbeks are currently residing in Germany, with just around 200 lacking residence permits. There is no clarity on how the recent agreement will significantly alter these numbers, though it mirrors similar arrangements with countries such as Kenya and Morocco. IF Germany’s recent engagements with Kyrgyzstan are indicative, priority sectors for future placements may include agriculture, nursing, and construction. Moreover, ongoing discussions concerning the repatriation of Afghan nationals back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan may serve as a leverage point for Uzbekistan in negotiations with Berlin. Despite Germany’s increasing diplomatic interest in Central Asia, experts caution that tangible progress remains elusive. Officials in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reportedly carry disappointment regarding the lack of substantial investments and initiatives from Germany since Scholz’s last meeting, highlighting the disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and actual commitments to the region.

The negotiation between Germany and Uzbekistan reflects a larger geopolitical shift as Western nations seek to diversify their labor sources amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiments at home. Following the war in Ukraine, Central Asia has gained strategic importance, particularly as migration channels from Russia have been severely restricted. Historical ties between Central Asian migrants and Russia are being reassessed, leading to a greater focus on the potential for skilled labor to flow into Western economies, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom. The persistent labor shortages in Germany have intensified the imperative for skilled migration, prompting moves to formalize agreements with Central Asian countries.

In summary, the migration agreement between Germany and Uzbekistan illustrates Germany’s attempt to balance internal political pressures regarding immigration with the urgent economic need for skilled labor. Although the efforts to broaden migration options for Central Asians are evident, actual results in terms of migrant numbers remain modest. Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, highlighting Central Asia’s increasing significance in Western migration strategies. However, officials express disappointment over the tangible outcomes from these diplomatic engagements, indicating a gap between expectations and reality.

Original Source: www.rferl.org

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