SAMARKAD, Uzbekistan: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has concluded a migration agreement with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to Samarkand. This deal aims to facilitate the entry of skilled workers, particularly in healthcare, from Uzbekistan to Germany.
Additionally, it streamlines the process for repatriating Uzbeks residing illegally in Germany, addressing a reported 200 individuals potentially eligible for repatriation out of 13,700 Uzbeks living in Germany.
Scholz’s visit to Central Asia also includes signing seven other agreements focusing on sustainable water management and critical minerals. His trip extends to Kazakhstan, where discussions will center on oil and gas supplies, and the impact of sanctions on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Scholz will participate in a summit with leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
However, Scholz faces criticism from Human Rights Watch (HRW) for potentially neglecting human rights issues in the region. HRW has urged Scholz to address ongoing human rights abuses, such as suppression of free speech, activist imprisonment, and electoral deficiencies, highlighting that closer ties with Central Asia should not overshadow these concerns.
