Uzbekistan, France sign agreements to expand legal labor migration channels

A delegation from Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the national embassy in France held meetings with French partners to expand structured and regulated labor migration channels.

Particular focus was placed on the agricultural sector. An agreement was reached with the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d'Exploitants Agricoles (FNSEA) to recruit Uzbek workers for seasonal positions, including roles in viticulture. A pilot project is scheduled to begin this summer, with an initial 50 Uzbek specialists expected to travel to France. A separate deal was signed with Sélect Recruiting Service, which will oversee candidate selection and job placement.

Another track of cooperation focuses on a "study and work" model within the hospitality industry. In partnership with CFA AC Paris, the sides plan to develop a system allowing participants to combine formal education with practical employment in France. The Uzbek delegation also held extensive talks with various French institutions, including the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, and education, as well as France Travail, the Île–de–France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Paris public hospital network (AP–HP).

Both sides confirmed their intention to build long-term cooperation to expand legal employment opportunities for Uzbek citizens and to strengthen their professional skills abroad. These agreements come amid steadily expanding bilateral ties. French Ambassador to Uzbekistan Walid Fouque previously noted that cooperation is intensifying, with education, cultural exchanges, and youth engagement emerging as key priorities.

Among the flagship projects is the planned launch of the Uzbek–French University, which is expected to open in September in cooperation with leading institutions from both nations. France has also been promoting language and academic exchanges, with institutions such as Paris Sciences et Lettres University, École Centrale de Nantes, and Mines Paris–PSL expanding access for international students. Cultural cooperation has recently featured major exhibitions of Uzbek heritage at the Louvre Museum and the Institut du Monde Arabe, with similar initiatives now being planned within Uzbekistan.