On October 8, the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies hosted an expert meeting titled “Labour Migration in the EU Logistics Sector: Protection of Rights and the Legal Status of Drivers from Central Asia.”

The meeting focused on labour migration from Central Asian countries to the European Union, the specific features of migrants’ legal status, and working conditions in the logistics sector. Particular attention was paid to mechanisms for protecting labour rights, migration legislation, and the main challenges faced by Central Asian drivers working in EU countries.

Aigul Sadvokassova, Director General of the Institute, delivered the welcoming remarks. She emphasized the importance of discussing labour migration and protecting the rights of citizens working abroad.

•  Philipp Jahn, Regional Director of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Central Asia, presented the Foundation’s activities and its work in the field of social issues, and welcomed the participants.

•   The meeting was moderated by Botagoz Rakisheva, Director of the Public Opinion Research Institute.

Experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and the Netherlands took part in the discussion:

•   Zauresh Shutova, Head of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Office in Astana;

•   Sanat Kushkumbayev, Chief Research Fellow at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

•   Dr. Anna Weirich, Faire Mobilität advisory network, Germany;

•   Edwin Atema, RTDD Foundation / FNV Trade Union, the Netherlands;

•   Giulio Benedetti, Maastricht University / SSE Riga;

•   Nurgul Kadyrkulova, Migration Council under the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic;

•   Nurkhan Zhaliyev, Managing Director of the Department of Analysis and Strategic Development at the Otandastar Foundation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, participants discussed the working conditions and legal status of Central Asian drivers employed in EU countries, mechanisms for protecting their labour rights, and migration legislation. They also addressed practical challenges faced by drivers when seeking employment and working in the European logistics sector, as well as access to legal and social support.