An important direction of Uzbekistan's foreign policy is the protection of the rights and interests of citizens, regardless of their location

Uzbekistan's foreign policy activity focuses on strengthening state sovereignty and independence, expanding the republic's influence in the international community in order to integrate into the ranks of advanced democratic states. The policy is based on the effective implementation of the national development strategy. Priorities include ensuring regional peace and stability, developing balanced and mutually beneficial relations with key States and international organizations, as well as promoting initiatives that contribute to economic modernization. 

An equally important aspect of foreign policy is the strengthening of diaspora ties with compatriots living abroad, which reflects Uzbekistan's strategic orientation towards multidimensional and cooperative interaction in the field of international relations. 
Thus, article 23 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan guarantees protection and patronage to citizens of the country both on its territory and abroad. The State, in accordance with the norms of international law, takes care of maintaining and developing ties with compatriots living abroad. 
At the same time, the terms "resettlement of compatriots" or "compatriots" have not been reflected in international law. Therefore, the regulation of this process is subject to the generally recognized principles of international law related to human rights, including migration and the protection of national minorities.
By Presidential decree dated September 11, 2023, the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" was approved, developed on the basis of the experience gained in the process of implementing the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 and the results of public discussion. Goal 94 of the strategy provides for the support of compatriots living abroad, the introduction of a system of constant dialogue with them. 
By Presidential decree dated February 21, 2024, the State Program for the implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" in the "Year of support for Youth and Business" was approved. The document also pays great attention to the support of diasporas and compatriots. Ambitious goals are being set to improve the living and working conditions of Uzbek citizens abroad, and ensure their rights and interests. These measures underline Uzbekistan's desire to protect its citizens, regardless of their place of residence. 
It is worth noting that according to expert estimates, the approximate number of compatriots lives in the following countries: Afghanistan (5 million), Russia (1.5 million), Tajikistan (1.26 million), Saudi Arabia (1 million), Kyrgyzstan (1 million), Kazakhstan (1 million), Turkmenistan (500 thousand), the United States (300 thousand), Turkey (over 80 thousand), Pakistan (70 thousand), Republic of Korea (50 thousand) Israel (40 thousand), Poland (30 thousand), Ukraine (12.5 thousand), China (11 thousand), Canada (8 thousand), UAE (7 thousand), Sweden (6 thousand), Great Britain (5 thousand), Latvia (3 thousand), Belarus (1.5 thousand).
In the near future, Uzbekistan will take decisive steps to systematize and strengthen support for migrants, especially women, who go abroad to work. The main focus will be on an integrated approach to solving the problems faced by Uzbek migrant women, providing them with the necessary support at all stages of the migration process.
The first step will be to determine the geography of migration and compile lists of female migrant workers going abroad, which will allow for more targeted support and assistance, and efficient allocation of resources. In this regard, round tables are organized online to identify their problems and needs. 
An important aspect of the support will be informing compatriots about the legal basis for employment abroad, the dangers associated with human trafficking, as well as socio-psychological support for the families of migrant women, including their minor children. This will provide the necessary assistance and support to families facing difficulties due to long separation.
Based on the preliminary results, an analytical report on the work carried out will be prepared to assess the effectiveness of implemented measures and adjust future support programs. Additionally, measures are planned to improve the system of registration of identity cards for citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan living abroad and to simplify the process of returning to the country on the basis of birth certificates. 
In order to meet the needs of citizens living outside the country, Uzbekistan will improve the system related to consular registration. It is planned to further simplify the processes of registration and issuance of identity cards for its citizens who are abroad both on a permanent and temporary basis. The process includes the introduction of new technologies and ensuring the security of personal data, as well as reducing the processing time of applications.
Improving the treatment system will be a key element in strengthening the relationship between the State and its citizens abroad. The introduction of digital platforms and services for submitting and tracking the status of appeals will make this process more transparent and accessible. Automation and optimization of procedures are aimed at ensuring fast and efficient consideration of each request, while minimizing possible delays and bureaucratic obstacles.
In 2023, the concepts and terms of reference of the interactive electronic portal "Watandoshlar" were developed, which will become a central platform for providing access to a wide range of services and information for Uzbeks living abroad. The portal includes functions for applying for consular services, information on legal support, as well as tips and recommendations for adaptation to a new social and cultural environment. 
In order to support compatriots who find themselves in difficult life situations abroad, measures are being taken to systematically provide assistance in cooperation with interested organizations (both international and local) specializing in supporting migrants (providing legal assistance, social support and advice on integration and training). Thus, in 2019-2021, the Uzbek authorities conducted five special operations "Mehr", as a result of which more than 120 women and about 380 children were taken out of conflict zones (Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan).
The development of the concept of the Congress of Compatriots Living Abroad will be an important step towards consolidating the Uzbek diaspora and strengthening ties with the motherland. The concept will provide for the goals, objectives and format of the event, as well as mechanisms for interaction with participants and partners. Then the congress is scheduled to be held and widely covered in the media. This will draw public attention to the issues of the diaspora and strengthen Uzbekistan's position in the international arena. The event is aimed at establishing new contacts between compatriots, discussing the prospects for the development of Uzbek communities abroad and developing proposals to improve migration policy and support the diaspora.
One of the most important innovations will be the draft regulatory legal act establishing the procedure for issuing a "compatriot's certificate" to citizens seeking to participate in the economic and social life of our country. The so-called compatriot card is valid in countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Ethiopia, and others. This special document will be issued to ethnic Uzbeks living abroad and will include a number of advantages. 
For example, in the Republic of Kazakhstan, they have the right to employment or entrepreneurial activity in accordance with Kazakh legislation, the opportunity to make social payments, receive services within the guaranteed volume of medical care, free secondary education, participate in a competition for free specialized secondary or higher education in public institutions or study on a fee-based basis in private educational institutions and not only that.
In Poland, holders of the "Pole card" can receive a long-term national visa for free, which gives them the right to legally work in Poland without obtaining a special work permit, engage in entrepreneurial activity on the same grounds as Polish citizens, visit state museums for free, and seek free emergency medical care in emergency situations on the same terms the same as Polish citizens.
The introduction of such preferences will create a legal basis for the integration and inclusion of ethnic Uzbeks living abroad in the life of Uzbekistan. These measures contribute not only to strengthening the diaspora identity, but also to facilitating the process of repatriation and investment in the economy of Uzbekistan. In addition, it will become a powerful incentive for young Uzbekistanis abroad to seek educational and professional opportunities at home, thereby facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience between countries.
The "Certificate of a compatriot" will allow citizens to be closely integrated into the social and cultural life of Uzbekistan, strengthen their connection with their historical homeland, which in turn will lead to an increase in the interest and involvement of the diaspora in the processes taking place in the country.
These measures reflect Uzbekistan's desire to strengthen support for its citizens abroad, improve the quality and accessibility of public services, and protect the rights and interests of Uzbeks regardless of their location. Improving these systems will be an important step towards creating a more efficient and responsive public service capable of meeting the needs of citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Rasul Uygunov,
a leading researcher at the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.