Sara Crawford, International Liaison Manager at the Fair Work Agency (FWA), and Neville Bradbury, National Investigations Manager (South West), attended the Tashkent International Migration Forum in Uzbekistan.
The forum brought together governments, international organisations and other stakeholders to discuss protecting migrant workers and improving labour migration systems.
Sara presented the UK’s approach through FWA, including the role of enforcement activity and fair recruitment in reducing the risk of labour exploitation.
The visit provided an opportunity to meet stakeholders, build relationships and explore areas for future collaboration.
Sara Crawford said
We met government officials, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), businesses and civil society groups.
It was positive to hear about developments in Uzbekistan on migration and worker protection, as well as the challenges countries face in promoting migration that is safe, legal and transparent.
Fair recruitment was a key theme at the forum, including transparency, recruitment fees and oversight of recruiters. These areas align with UK priorities.
Labour exploitation and modern slavery can involve risks across borders, including at different stages of recruitment and employment.
Schemes such as the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme involve recruiting workers from overseas, so it is important that appropriate safeguards are in place before workers arrive in the UK.
She added
Working with international partners supports the sharing of good practice and helps promote common standards.
Strong national systems, alongside international cooperation, can help improve access to workers’ rights.
The forum included participants from Europe, Asia and other regions, with a shared focus on improving labour migration systems.