The European Union (EU), the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) have launched the first Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Uzbekistan in the framework of EU-funded project “PROTECT: Improving Migration Management and Migrant Protection in selected Silk Routes and Central Asian Countries”. The main purpose of the MRC is to expand access to services for potential migrants across the region on safe and legal migration and raise awareness on the risks of irregular migration and threats of human trafficking. This is the third MRC established in the Central Asia region.
The initiative supports national governments in Central Asia and the Silk Routes region in enhancing migration governance frameworks, institutional capacities, and migrant services. Cooperation with Uzbekistan was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between ICMPD and the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Minister of Uzbekistan. The formal opening event brought together more than 60 representatives from the Government of Uzbekistan, EU Member States, Embassies, UN agencies, EU Delegation in Uzbekistan, ICMPD leadership and technical staff, international organisations and civil society, and local development partners.
The European Union is pleased to support the establishment of the first ever Migrant Resource Centre in Uzbekistan. The Centres like this one play a crucial role in equipping people with the information they need to make informed decisions about migration. The EU remains committed to working with partners across Central Asia to promote safe, regular and well-managed migration, which is also in line with the Global Gateway priorities.”said the EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, H.E. Toivo Klaar, Ambassador of European Union to Uzbekistan
The Migrant Resource Centre in Tashkent is the latest of the network of 14 MRCs globally. It marks an important step in our cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan. This new centre will be very practical and timely for those considering migrating and returning, ensuring their choices are informed, safe, and rights-based. We are proud to support Uzbekistan in strengthening migration governance and services for its citizens.said Sedef Dearing, Deputy Director General and Head of Migration Dialogues and Cooperation at ICMPD
Background
Developed in partnership with the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan, MRC aims to empower migrants to make informed, safe decisions and strengthen national capacities to manage migration effectively. The Tashkent MRC will offer reliable, accessible, and up-to-date support to prospective migrants, returning citizens, and their families. Specifically, dedicated services for Uzbekistan citizens include:
- Awareness sessions on legal migration channels and employment opportunities abroad;
- Information campaigns on the risks of irregular migration, human trafficking, and exploitation.
- Pre-departure (for departing migrants) and reintegration counselling (for returnees);
The new MRC is part of PROTECT project, funded by the EU and implemented by ICMPD between 2023 and 2026. The MRC in Tashkent builds on the success of the ones established in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (November 2023), and Osh, Kyrgyzstan (March 2024). The MRC in Kyrgyzstan has reached more than 6.000 people through in-person counselling and outreach sessions since its inauguration and has reached almost one million people via social media outreach. The MRC in Tajikistan has reached more than 10.000 people through in-person counselling and outreach sessions since its inauguration and has reached more than 710.000 people via social media outreach.
Following the launch, the MRC will expand its outreach to the regions across Uzbekistan, collaborate with local institutions, and engage with various community leaders and influencers for wider and effective awareness raising on migration. The data from the information campaigns can also provide insights to help shape evidence-based national migration policies, strengthen governance structure and support more effective service delivery.
