Bishkek, March 25, 2026 /Kabar/. In 2025, approximately 170,000 Kyrgyzstanis went abroad to work, Esenbek Ergeshov, head of labor migration department at the Center for employment of citizens abroad told Birinchi Radio.
According to him, approximately 25,000 people were employed with the assistance of the Center for Employment and private agencies: 5,500 through the Center and 19,500 through agencies.
"This represents only 15% of the total migration flow. The remaining 85% leave independently, relying on themselves, personal connections, and word of mouth. Unfortunately, these citizens often find themselves in difficult life situations and become victims of labor exploitation or human trafficking. We monitor those who leave through us until they return home," emphasized Esenbek Ergeshov.
Furthermore, he noted that the country is seeing positive trends. While five years ago, about a million people left annually for work, many are now returning due to the improving socioeconomic situation in Kyrgyzstan.
"While Kyrgyzstan was previously a labor exporting country, we are now attracting and accepting foreign citizens to work in the country," Ergeshov said.