Tajikistan sets 18 as the minimum age for labour migration

According to Asia Plus, the new law replaces legislation that had been in force since 1999. The previous law did not establish a separate minimum age for labour migrants.

Under the new legislation, Tajik citizens may travel for work only to countries where migrants’ rights and legitimate interests are protected. Such protection may be based on international agreements or bilateral treaties between Tajikistan and destination countries.

The minimum age requirement also applies to foreign nationals travelling to Tajikistan for employment.

Two routes to overseas employment

The law provides two main ways for Tajik citizens to find work abroad: searching for jobs independently or being recruited through agencies and other organisations authorised to arrange overseas employment.

For people seeking jobs independently, the authorised state body responsible for migration must provide free information about vacancies, salaries, working conditions, employer requirements and the laws and regulations of the destination country.

State assistance in returning deceased migrants’ bodies

The new law also establishes a duty for government agencies to assist in returning the bodies of Tajik citizens who die abroad.

Under Article 35, this responsibility falls to the authorised foreign-policy body, as well as Tajikistan’s diplomatic missions and consular offices overseas. The 1999 law did not contain a separate provision on this matter.

Labour migration plays a significant role in Tajikistan’s economy. According to the World Bank, remittances from migrants amounted to approximately 46% of the country’s GDP in 2025.