Otoritas : Jurnal Ilmu Pemerintahan
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): April 2026

Digital skills and virtual work in the future of labor migration: insights into the experience of Uzbekistan in Central Asia

Musaev, Bekzod (Unknown)
Bekov, Ikhtiyor (Unknown)
Bandov, Goran (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Apr 2026

Abstract

This article examines how digital skills and virtual employment are reshaping labor migration patterns, with a focus on Uzbekistan’s evolving experience within Central Asia. Drawing on comparative legal analysis and secondary statistical sources, the study traces the shift from predominantly physical mobility toward digitally mediated cross-border work facilitated by online labor platforms. Evidence from the Online Labour Index shows that demand for virtual labor is concentrated in high-income economies, while supply is generated largely by developing countries, reflecting an emerging digital division of labor. The article analyzes the implications of artificial intelligence, automation, and telework for migrant workers and assesses Uzbekistan’s policy responses, including vocational upskilling, WorldSkills standards, and pre-migration preparation. The findings suggest that targeted digital skills development, streamlined recognition of qualifications, and alignment of training with global standards can enhance the competitiveness of Uzbek workers in remote labor markets. The article contribute for recognizing “virtual labor migration” within international legal frameworks and integrating remote-work preparation into national workforce strategies to promote inclusive growth and social resilience.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

otoritas

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Otoritas : Jurnal Ilmu Pemerintahan, with registered number ISSN 2088-3706 (Print), ISSN 2502-9320 (Online) is a Peer-reviewed journal published twice a year in April and October by Department of Governmental Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar in ...