ADB BRIEFS NO. 205 DECEMBER 2021 ISBN 978-92-9269-325-1 (print) ISBN 978-92-9269-326-8 (electronic) ISSN 2071-7202 (print) ISSN 2218-2675 (electronic) Publication Stock No. BRF210538 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22617/BRF210538 Strengthening Predeparture Services for Labor Migrants in Tajikistan Post-COVID-19 INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused a steep drop in the number of migrants from Tajikistan during the spring season in April and May 2020, although the number partly recovered in the second half of the year (Shimizutani and Yamada 2021). Prospective Tajik migrants were unable to travel and were forced to remain at home when major destination countries, including the Russian Federation, imposed lockdowns and closed their borders. The Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment (MOLME) reported that the number of Tajik migrants who went abroad for work decreased by 57% in 2020 compared with the previous year. The steady and growing number of international migrants from Tajikistan prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was largely attributable to the country’s weak labor demand and low wages. From 2015 to 2018, an average of half a million people from Tajikistan were bound for overseas employment each year (ADB 2019). The migration remained predominantly seasonal in time for agriculture and construction activities in the Russian Federation from April to October. Seasonal migration is possible as Tajiks enjoy visa-free entry to the Russian Federation and can stay for 90 days, including for short-term work. Migrant workers from Tajikistan are mostly young men; however, the demand for overseas work among women has been growing in recent years. Most male migrants work in low- skilled jobs in the construction sector, whereas most female migrants have low-skilled jobs KEY POINTS • Migrants from Tajikistan face challenges stemming from the lack of timely and adequate information on legal channels of migration, labor conditions, and regulations in destination countries. • As international labor markets gradually reopen for migrants toward the post-COVID-19 era, the Government of Tajikistan needs to strengthen its delivery of predeparture services for potential migrants. • Advanced predeparture services for labor migrants from other origin countries in Asia may offer insights for enhancing these services, such as by (i) establishing strategic program design and management, (ii) adopting effective training approaches, (iii) leveraging digital and technological solutions, and (iv) embracing a multistakeholder and inclusive approach. • In the medium and long terms, the Government of Tajikistan could establish a standard departure process for Tajik migrants in consultation with destination countries. The government could also develop and provide comprehensive migrant support services, including digital and online resources. Takashi Yamano Principal Economist Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department Asian Development Bank (ADB) Aiko Kikkawa Economist Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department ADB Eiko Kanzaki Izawa Specially Appointed Professor St. Andrew’s University, Japan Nahreen Farjana Independent Consultant Raymond Gaspar Consultant, ADB