In 2026, the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan plans to implement a number of new social initiatives. Among them are increased payments for families with children, the development of employment programs, and the digitalization of social services. First Deputy Minister Kamchybek Dosmatov shared with a correspondent from VB.KG the details of how the government intends to reduce unemployment and support labor migrants.
- Kamchybek Sultanmuratovich, what are the main goals for the Ministry of Labor in 2026?
- Our main goal is to ensure a decent life for citizens and create conditions for stability. This direction is set by President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, and Minister Kanat Sagynbaev. In accordance with their vision, in 2026 we will focus on supporting vulnerable groups of the population, developing labor relations, regulating migration, and digitalizing the social sphere. Special attention will also be given to supporting motherhood and childhood.
Starting January 1, 2026, a one-time payment "Bala Bereke" will be launched for mothers of many children in remote and mountainous areas. The payment amounts vary: 100,000 soms for the fourth child, 1 million for the seventh, and 2 million for the tenth and subsequent children. These payments will be made when the child turns one year old.
A monthly allowance "Biiyik Tooluu Aymakhtardyn Zhasoouchularyna Komok" will also be introduced for families with a third and subsequent child living in remote areas. The amount will be 3,000 soms, regardless of income.
One of the significant projects is the "Social Contract." This is not just a measure of assistance but an opportunity for people to start earning. If in 2022, 2,800 families participated in the program, by 2025 their number will increase to 13,300. The amount of support has increased from 100,000 to 150,000 soms, and already 14 families have managed to earn over 1 million soms per year.
In 2026, we plan to help another 13,000 low-income families by providing them with the opportunity to start their own businesses. For 1,000 participants, interest-free loans of up to 200,000 soms will be available.
Starting July 1, the "Bala Yrysy" program will be launched, which provides monthly payments of 1,200 soms for each child under three years old, regardless of family income. According to forecasts from the National Statistics Committee, it will cover about 445,000 children, and more than 6 billion soms will be allocated annually for its implementation.
The "Kelechekke Salym" program, launched in 2024, continues to operate. In 2025, 3,378 children's accounts were opened, with 684 million soms deposited. About 100 orphans have already used these funds.
All these measures are not just numbers; they are investments in the future of Kyrgyzstan.
- Why is the unemployment rate not decreasing as quickly, and what steps are you taking to improve the situation?
- The labor market remains stable overall, but there are objective factors that slow down progress.
As of September 1, 2025, the population of Kyrgyzstan was 7.373 million, of which 2.86 million are part of the labor force, and 2.76 million are employed. Over the past five years, employment has increased by 311,000 people.
However, the unemployment rate has decreased from 5.8% to 3.7%, which amounts to about 104,700 people. This is a positive result.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to consider that as the population grows, the number of people entering the labor market also increases, and job creation must occur faster than this growth.
There is also a structural problem — a high share of informal employment, exceeding 24%. Additionally, there is an imbalance: there are many laborers, but not enough qualified specialists.
To accelerate the process, we are launching training and retraining programs focused on the real needs of the market. The "Youth Internship" project is also being implemented, where the government provides a scholarship of 8,600 soms so that young specialists can secure a job. Furthermore, we are actively developing self-employment through the "Social Contract."
- What measures is the ministry taking to protect Kyrgyz citizens working abroad?
- Protecting citizens working outside the country is our priority. We are strengthening organized employment to minimize the influence of unscrupulous intermediaries. It is important that people go abroad for work officially and are informed about their working conditions.
We pay attention to pre-departure training, educating them on legal basics and informing them about the labor laws of destination countries.
As part of the National Program until 2030, we are working to expand consular protection for our citizens so that they have access to medical and educational services, as well as pension mechanisms.
In 2026, we plan to open pre-departure training centers, starting from Osh and expanding the network across regions.
- Is an increase in social payments for low-income families expected?
- We are gradually changing our approach to social policy, moving from dependency to development. The "Social Contract" program is a vivid example: more than 30,000 families have already started their businesses and transitioned from receiving benefits to independent income.
At the same time, support measures continue to expand. New payments for mountainous areas have been in effect since January, and the "Bala Bereke" and "Bala Yrysy" programs are being launched, while the amount of social contracts has been increased to 150,000 soms.
As for increasing payments in the future, this will depend on budget capabilities and the economic situation, but the overall course towards strengthening support remains.
- What changes are expected in the social services system?
- We are actively working on developing the social services market, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Currently, personal assistants are already working to help those in need of care.
We are developing a mechanism that allows people to choose between sanatorium treatment and monetary compensation.
Digitalization is one of the key directions. We are creating the "Tündük" system, which will consolidate data on health, income, and education, thus reducing the number of paper certificates.
- What measures are in place to support returning migrants?
- We consider them an important resource for the economy. Programs for their reintegration are provided, including training and entrepreneurship support.
A mechanism for recognizing skills acquired abroad is also being implemented. For example, if a person worked in construction according to European standards, they will be able to confirm their qualifications in Kyrgyzstan.
The "Mekeniim 1+1" program provides funding on the condition that the migrant invests the same amount in business development, covering various sectors from industry to IT. So far, 59 people have already received such support.
- How is work being done with employers?
- Yes, this is a systematic effort. In 2025, an updated Labor Code came into effect, which takes into account modern forms of employment, such as remote work and electronic labor books.
Currently, we are working to align the regulatory framework with new realities and strengthen labor inspection.
We also plan to create a scientific and economic council to make labor-related decisions based on analysis and expertise.
- What sectors are most promising for youth?
- First of all, these are IT and digital technologies, where interest is at 75% nationwide. Business and management, finance, tourism, and the service sector are also relevant.
In the regions, there is still interest in agriculture, while in cities, service and digital professions are in demand.
It is worth noting the growth of platform employment, including delivery and taxi services. Practical experience remains a key factor everywhere.
- When will a unified digital system for social payments be operational?
- We are in the implementation stage. Currently, the Unified Social Security System is being tested, which will include 22 modules covering benefits, migration, and support for persons with disabilities.
At the same time, new digital solutions are being developed, including a migrant registry.
- What problems remain the most acute?
- The most pressing issues are bureaucracy and the high share of informal employment. To accelerate changes, we are transitioning to digital management and implementing rapid reforms. For example, we have already managed to reduce the number of certificates in the medical and social expertise system from 6 to 2.
Some documents are now available online through "Tündük." We are also developing the "Electronic Social Passport" system in "Sanarip Aymak" to enhance the targeting of assistance.
Our task is to ensure that help reaches those who truly need it, and that people do not waste time on bureaucracy.
