BRATISLAVA, November 26. /Dunyo IA/. A conference titled "Sustainable Labor Migration in Practical Steps", organized by the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family of Slovakia in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), was held in Bratislava, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The conference was aimed at showcasing international best practices in the bilateral management of labor migration, as well as discussing policies, programs, and emerging trends in the sector. Participants included representatives of Slovak government bodies, local employers and trade unions, labor migration experts, members of the diplomatic corps, and officials from international organizations.

At the opening session of the event, Karol Jokl, Director of the Department of International Relations and European Affairs at the Ministry of Labor of Slovakia, emphasized that the country is currently experiencing a significant shortage of labor in certain key sectors. This situation necessitates exploring new pathways for international labor migration. He noted that, to this end, Slovakia adopted a new National Migration Strategy in June 2025. The document aims to create opportunities for migrants from non-EU countries with in-demand skills and to simplify existing procedures in the labor market.

In his address, Gianluca Rocco, Director of the Sub‑Regional Office of International Organization for Migration (IOM), reaffirmed that the organization stands ready to extend its support to all interested stakeholders.

At the conference, Bahtiyor Ibragimov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Slovakia (residing in Vienna), addressed the participants, providing a detailed briefing on the reforms being implemented under the leadership of Uzbekistan’s President to advance the development of the country’s labor migration sector.

Taking into account the shortage of labor in Slovakia, interest was expressed in the legal deployment of skilled and organized workers from Uzbekistan.

The diplomat underscored Uzbekistan’s readiness for long-term, sustainable, and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of labor migration, noting that this sector contributes not only to economic outcomes but also to cultural exchange and the strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two peoples.