Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier traveled to Indonesia and the Philippines, concluding his trip in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from June 14 to 18, 2026. The main focus of his visit was strengthening political partnerships, deepening economic relations, and recruiting skilled labor. President Steinmeier highlighted the significant potential that young Uzbek talents have for addressing Germany’s ongoing shortage of skilled workers in an orderly and structured way. He said, “There is competition for skilled workers, and we must accept this challenge.” With these words, the Federal President underscored the importance of active and forward-looking international recruitment of skilled professionals.
Together with his Uzbek counterpart, President Steinmeier underscored the significance of the comprehensive migration agreement between Uzbekistan and Germany, which was signed in September 2024. From the German perspective, Uzbekistan holds considerable potential for alleviating the skilled labor shortage: more than 56 percent of Uzbekistan’s population is of working age, and over half are under 30. The agreement opens new legal pathways for training and employment migration, further strengthening Germany’s position as an attractive partner for qualified professionals and skilled workers from Uzbekistan.
Skilled labour from Uzbekistan and Colombia strengthens German craftsmanship
sequa is also supporting the recruitment of skilled workers from Uzbekistan: The project “Future International Talents (FIT) for German Climate Businesses” recruits experienced skilled workers from Uzbekistan and Colombia for German skilled crafts companies. It is being implemented in cooperation with the Federal Employment Agency (BA) and the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH).
As part of President Steinmeier’s state visit, a discussion was held with two participants in the FIT project. The Federal President learned more about their experiences within the project and their individual career paths. He explicitly recognized their commitment to learning the German language and to their professional development. This visit highlighted that both Uzbekistan and Germany are intensifying their cooperation and jointly investing in education and secure labour mobility.
The project supports not only the recognition of foreign professional qualifications but also the participants’ preparation for employment and intercultural integration in Germany. In addition, employers receive individualized advice, guidance, and support at each stage of the immigration and integration process, ensuring that new professionals and skilled workers can settle seamlessly into their new working environments.
To date, sixteen participants in the project have arrived in Germany and have successfully taken up employment. Another twenty-two participants have already been matched with employers, and forty-five are currently taking part in language courses. For further information, please visit the project’s website.
