The volume of remittances to Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2026 reached $3.8 billion, a 13% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Central Bank's labor market review.

The structure of remittances continues to shift. Russia’s share of total inflows decreased from 77.6% in Q1 2025 to 72.4% in Q1 2026, amounting to approximately $2.75 billion.

The Central Bank attributes this to rising patent costs for labor migrants, the ruble’s depreciation in March, and the expansion of labor migration destinations.

Meanwhile, the share of other countries increased. Kazakhstan’s share rose from 3.1% to 4.1% (about $155.8 million), South Korea’s from 3.5% to 4.1% ($155.8 million), and European countries’ from 2.3% to 3.3% ($125.4 million).

Other countries accounted for 16.2% of remittances, up from 13.6% a year earlier, totaling about $615.6 million.

The number of Uzbek citizens working in Russia under a patent is also declining. In Q1 2026, their number stood at 1.34 million, down 8.8% from the previous quarter and 1.8% year-on-year. The Central Bank cites seasonal factors and changes in external labor markets.

At the same time, labor migration to other countries is growing. In Turkey, the number of official work permits for Uzbek citizens reached nearly 70,000 in Q1, a 14% increase year-on-year. The number of Uzbeks working in South Korea also continues to rise, reaching 99,600.

Overall, external mobility is increasing. In the first three months of the year, 1.63 million citizens left the country, 11.6% more than a year earlier.

Source: uznews.uz