On 19 May, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) successfully hosted the latest session of its Frontier Talks seminar series, titled Migration Policy as a Direction of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy. The event featured a compelling presentation by Zarnigor Naimdjonova, PhD student at IAIS, working under the academic supervision of Professor Azamat Seitov.

In a period marked by significant foreign policy reorientation, Uzbekistan has increasingly recognized migration — and particularly labor migration — as not only a socio-economic phenomenon, but also a key element of its international strategy. Ms. Naimdjonova’s presentation explored this evolving landscape, drawing on the preliminary findings of her doctoral research to illustrate how migration has become intertwined with Uzbekistan’s diplomatic priorities in the post-2016 reform era.

The seminar addressed the state’s efforts to institutionalize its migration diplomacy by expanding consular support, negotiating bilateral agreements, and intensifying cooperation with international organizations. Ms. Naimdjonova underscored how these developments reflect the broader transformation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy — one that integrates political, legal, economic, and humanitarian instruments to protect the rights and dignity of millions of Uzbek citizens working abroad.

Particular attention was paid to the ways in which Uzbekistan communicates with host countries, leverages soft power, and strengthens regional and multilateral frameworks to ensure the socio-economic inclusion and legal protection of its diaspora. The session also critically examined the structural challenges facing migration policy, such as geopolitical tensions, fragmentation of host-country policies, and the need for institutional innovation to adapt to shifting global labor markets.

The event brought together a diverse audience of scholars, students, practitioners, and policymakers, all of whom engaged in a lively discussion following the presentation. Frontier Talks remains a vital platform for stimulating critical thought on Uzbekistan’s contemporary foreign policy directions, and IAIS will continue to support dialogue and research in this sphere.