Фото: president.gov.by
Aliaksandr Lukashenka has again commented on the recruitment of workers from Uzbekistan to Belarus. According to him, decisions on inviting migrant workers should be made by local authorities and enterprise managers based on actual labour needs, his press service reported.
During a meeting on personnel matters on Thursday, Lukashenka said the issue of labour migration had generated excessive public attention.
“Oh, they’re bringing in Uzbeks! I said: ‘Then we won’t bring in anyone. But in that case, we’ll have to work harder ourselves,'” he said.
According to Lukashenka, some regions are experiencing labour shortages, and enterprises will be able to invite specialists from Uzbekistan where necessary. To do so, enterprise managers and district executive committee heads should determine how many workers are needed and in which occupations.
“If there aren’t enough people there, you’ll select those you need. This also applies to the Hrodna Region, especially the northern districts — Astravets and so on. People are needed there. But where they aren’t needed, don’t bring them in. No one is forcing anyone,” he said. “The enterprise manager and the district executive committee chairman must decide: this many people for these positions.”
Lukashenka also said that some of those arriving would need training, adding that the main requirement was a willingness to work.
“Don’t expect highly qualified specialists to arrive. They already have jobs where they are. Some simply need additional training. But the main thing is that they are willing to work. You must clearly understand that,” he said.
He also said that during talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the two sides discussed not only employment but also investment projects in the agricultural sector.
“We were talking about them coming here to produce meat and milk. The president [of Uzbekistan] is doing a great job; we have been friends for a long time. He is providing investment funds for the construction of livestock complexes, silage trenches — for what they need. For processing facilities. He invests, provides people who will work here and earn money,” Lukashenka said.
Lukashenka said Belarus was ready to provide social guarantees to those who relocate, including housing, healthcare and education for their children.
“Come, settle here. Here is education for your children if you want it, here is healthcare, here is housing. That also costs money. But if you came only to earn money and, ideally, send it back home, that’s a different situation,” Lukashenka said.
Last week, more than 200 labour migrants from Uzbekistan arrived in Vitsyebsk. They had reportedly been promised salaries of $900-1,000 a month, but upon arrival were told they would receive only about $500 and would have to pay for their own accommodation and meals. This prompted complaints from the workers, some of whom said they wanted to return home.
The issue was later resolved. According to the Uzbek workers, they were offered salaries of about $700, along with free accommodation and meals.