Фото: пресс-служба Лукашенко
Alyaksandr Lukashenka said he is pleased to see citizens of Uzbekistan coming to work in Belarus. He made the statement during a meeting with the ambassador of the Central Asian country, Rakhmatulla Nazarov.
“Many Uzbeks live in our country. And they want to live and work here. These are our people. We invite them with great pleasure, especially family people. Unfortunately, our population is not growing as fast as yours. Therefore, we are always happy to see very hardworking Uzbek people if they decide to come here,” Lukashenka said, according to his press service.
He also recalled that Belarus has strict regulations regarding labour migrants. In his view, this is even better for those who arrive.
“Perhaps this is even better for those who come. They clearly understand that we take people for specific jobs. We provide them with all opportunities and services for their children — nurseries, kindergartens, schools, higher education. On equal terms with Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians and others. Please come and compete.
We have great opportunities. People come with pleasure and work. Therefore, in this regard we are ready to work with our brothers from Uzbekistan. We know that during the Great Patriotic War you did a lot for Belarusians. Many of our people found refuge in Uzbekistan, where they were treated humanely. In this respect we are somewhat indebted to you. Although this was within one country,” he added.
Belarusian authorities are trying to solve the problem of labour shortages in the country by attracting migrant workers. Earlier, Lukashenka’s statement about accepting 150,000 Pakistanis caused a strong public reaction. In reality, however, only a small number of them arrived.
Today’s meeting was also devoted to the upcoming visit of Uzbekistan’s president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Belarus.