The Director of the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan, Behzod Musayev, has been dismissed from his position. He has been replaced by Muhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov, the former ambassador to Japan. This change occurred against the backdrop of several corruption scandals surrounding the agency and unfavorable conditions introduced for labor migrants.
One of the most significant pieces of news is the amendment to the contracts signed with citizens traveling to South Korea on E-9 visas. Previously, clauses had been included that mandated a $2,000 fine for migrants who changed their place of employment. Korean human rights activists had criticized this condition, labeling it a factor that creates economic dependency for workers. Shortly after Behzod Musayev's dismissal, the agency removed the requirement for this fine and the need for prior consent to change workplaces from the contract.
During Behzod Musayev's tenure, a series of controversies were observed around the agency. Specifically, the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office uncovered the embezzlement of over 1 billion soums within the agency. Additionally, corruption schemes related to sending workers to Korea and allegations of salary payments to non-existent employees are currently under investigation.
Furthermore, projects announced during Behzod Musayev's term regarding the recruitment of labor for the USA and Canada had also drawn public attention. However, to date, there is no information regarding any official deployment of Uzbek citizens to work in these countries. There has been no official announcement regarding the former head's next place of employment.
