More Turkmen Professionals Are Leaving the Country for Work Abroad During Their Vacation

More Turkmen Professionals Are Leaving the Country for Work Abroad During Their Vacation Labor migration from Turkmenistan continues to increase. According to a report by Azatlyk Radiosy, a growing number of citizens are using their annual vacation to travel abroad in search of employment. Sources interviewed by the outlet say that the outflow of qualified professionals—including doctors, teachers, and other public sector employees—has become particularly noticeable. According to Azatlyk's sources, many employees resign from their jobs or take annual leave before leaving for countries such as Türkiye, European states, Russia, and other destinations in search of better-paying work. They say that the scale of labor migration this year is significantly higher than in previous years. The sources identify low wages, the rising cost of living, limited opportunities for professional development, and the worsening socio-economic situation as the main reasons for leaving. Many specialists who have worked in state institutions for decades are reportedly deciding to emigrate because they can no longer provide adequately for their families. According to Azatlyk, dozens of teachers from various schools in the city of Balkanabat have recently used their vacation to seek employment abroad. Sources also report a similar trend among healthcare workers. Some interviewees estimate that the number of professionals leaving the region has increased severalfold compared with last year, although no official statistics are available. The report also includes testimonies indicating that even employees of government agencies and law enforcement bodies are experiencing serious financial difficulties. One source stated that official salaries are no longer sufficient to cover basic living expenses, support a family, or pay for traditional family celebrations. Azatlyk journalists note that they were unable to obtain official comments from the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan regarding the situation. State authorities also do not publish official data on the number of citizens leaving the country for labor migration. The growing wave of labor migration remains one of the most widely discussed social issues in Turkmenistan. Independent sources link this trend primarily to economic hardship and declining living standards, while state-controlled media rarely address these issues. Source: Azatlyk Radiosy (Radio Azatlyk) https://www.azathabar.com/a/uly-baslyklaryn-awazada-dync-alyan-wagty-zahmet-migrasiyasyna-gidyan-kopelyar/33810478.html We also invite you to read Diana Dadasheva's commentary on the situation of Turkmen labor migrants, published by Azatlyk Radiosy: https://www.azathabar.com/a/33611977.html