The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED), in partnership with the Korea Foundation, is implementing a policy-oriented research project in 2025 titled “Contextualizing Central Asian Migration to East Asia: Comparative Analysis of Uzbek Migration to South Korea and Japan”.

This research project responds to the growing significance of East Asia, particularly South Korea and Japan, as emerging destinations for Uzbek migrants. With a rising youth population and growing economic pressures, Uzbekistan is actively seeking effective strategies to manage its labor and educational mobility, while enhancing bilateral cooperation with East Asian partners. The project also seeks to inform policymakers in host countries on how to improve integration mechanisms for Uzbek migrants.

The main directions of the research include:

• Stakeholder mapping — interviews with Uzbek government agencies responsible for labour migration and diaspora engagement, including the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and others;
• Fieldwork with migrants — face-to-face and online interviews with Uzbek migrants currently residing in South Korea and Japan to understand their experiences, challenges, and prospects;
• Comparative policy analysis — assessment of South Korean and Japanese migration frameworks and their impact on Uzbek migrant integration;
• Policy recommendations — developing practical guidance for enhancing Uzbekistan’s labour migration management and proposing improvements for host country policies.

Expected outputs of the project:

• A detailed analytical report submitted to Uzbek government stakeholders and the Korea Foundation;
• An international seminar on comparative migration dynamics between Korea and Japan;
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Asian Survey, Pacific Review, and the Journal of Eurasian Studies.

Project Details

Funding: The Korea Foundation

Duration: January 1 – December 31, 2025

Research Team: Prof. Timur Dadabaev, Dr. Azamat Seitov, Mekhriniso Abdurasulova, Jasur Soipov, Nigora Djalilova