Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev announced in Berlin on 29 November that his government and Germany are finalising a bilateral migration agreement designed to streamline work-visa channels for Kyrgyz professionals. Speaking at the “Kyrgyzstan National Economy Day” business forum, Kasymaliev said the deal would open new employment pathways in IT, engineering and green-tech sectors while embedding dual-education models based on German vocational standards.
The accord—expected to be signed in early 2026—would allow German employers to recruit qualified Kyrgyz workers under simplified recognition and quota rules, complementing Germany’s Skilled-Immigration Act reforms. For Kyrgyzstan, remittances already account for about 30 percent of GDP; officials hope legal pathways will curb irregular migration and raise wage levels through recognised credentials.
![Berlin and Bishkek Move Toward Labour-Migration Pact to Ease Skills Shortage]()
German business-chambers welcome the initiative as competition for talent intensifies—the Federal Employment Agency projects a shortfall of 420,000 skilled workers next year. Sectors flagged for immediate pilot batches include nursing, metal-work and software development. Mobility teams should monitor implementation details such as fast-track embassy appointment pools and potential salary-threshold exemptions for Western Balkans quota applicants.
Practically, companies planning 2026 hiring rounds can start mapping Kyrgyz qualification equivalencies and lining up language-training budgets. The Foreign Office is also considering placing a visa-liaison officer in Bishkek to coach employers on compliance, mirroring arrangements already in place in Manila and New Delhi.
The accord—expected to be signed in early 2026—would allow German employers to recruit qualified Kyrgyz workers under simplified recognition and quota rules, complementing Germany’s Skilled-Immigration Act reforms. For Kyrgyzstan, remittances already account for about 30 percent of GDP; officials hope legal pathways will curb irregular migration and raise wage levels through recognised credentials.
German business-chambers welcome the initiative as competition for talent intensifies—the Federal Employment Agency projects a shortfall of 420,000 skilled workers next year. Sectors flagged for immediate pilot batches include nursing, metal-work and software development. Mobility teams should monitor implementation details such as fast-track embassy appointment pools and potential salary-threshold exemptions for Western Balkans quota applicants.
Practically, companies planning 2026 hiring rounds can start mapping Kyrgyz qualification equivalencies and lining up language-training budgets. The Foreign Office is also considering placing a visa-liaison officer in Bishkek to coach employers on compliance, mirroring arrangements already in place in Manila and New Delhi.
