Kyrgyzstan Rejects European Proposal for Afghan Refugees

The Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Jinbek Kulubayev, has clearly expressed his country’s opposition to accepting Afghan and African refugees based on proposals from European nations, emphasizing a redirection of labor migration routes.

Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Opposes Acceptance of Afghan Refugees

During a parliamentary session, Jinbek Kulubayev announced that some European countries have proposed accepting Afghan and African refugees currently residing in Europe in exchange for skilled workforce from Kyrgyzstan. Kulubayev stated unequivocally that his country does not welcome this plan.

He clarified that Kyrgyzstan will not entertain such conditions and is not interested in engaging in practical discussions related to it. The minister also noted that Kyrgyz citizens are free to seek employment in Europe independently; however, the government has no plans to accept refugees from Europe.

Shifts in Labor Migration Routes

The Foreign Minister further indicated a shift in the labor migration pathways for Kyrgyz citizens towards Turkey, the United States, South Korea, and Japan. He added that due to domestic market requirements, the dispatch of labor for permanent employment abroad has decreased.

Similar Agreements in the Region

This statement comes on the heels of a similar agreement signed between Germany and Uzbekistan in September 2023. This agreement includes the repatriation of Afghan refugees who can be deported through Tashkent back to Afghanistan, while facilitating the migration process for skilled Uzbek workers to Germany.