In 2026, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic will launch numerous social initiatives, including new payments for families with children, the expansion of employment programs, and the digitization of social services. The first deputy minister, Kamchybek Dosmatov, spoke to a correspondent from VB.KG about the changes awaiting Kyrgyz citizens, as well as measures to reduce unemployment and support labor migrants.
- Kamchybek Sultanmuratovich, what are the main priorities you set for 2026 for the Ministry of Labor?
- To be honest, all our plans are aimed at one goal — to ensure a decent life and stability for citizens. This vision was articulated by President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich, and we follow his directives, based on his clear approach to the country's development.
In 2026, our key tasks will be supporting vulnerable groups of the population, developing labor relations, regulating migration processes, and digitizing the social sphere. A crucial direction will be supporting motherhood and childhood, where we expect significant changes.
Starting January 1, 2026, a new one-time payment "Bala Bereke" will be introduced for mothers of many children living in mountainous and hard-to-reach areas. The payment amounts are 100,000 soms for the fourth child, 1 million for the seventh, and 2 million soms for the tenth and subsequent children. These payments are assigned when the child turns one year old.
Additionally, a monthly allowance "Biiyik tooluu aiymaktyn zhashooshuularyna komok" will be introduced for families living in mountainous areas, starting from the third child until they reach three years of age. The allowance is 3,000 soms and is paid regardless of the family's income.
I would like to highlight the "Social Contract" project, which has become not just assistance but a real tool for earning. We see its positive effect: if in 2022, 2,800 families participated in the project, by 2025, their number increased to 13,300. The amount of support increased from 100,000 to 150,000 soms, and 14 families have reached an income of over 1 million soms per year.
In 2026, we plan to help another 13,000 low-income families start their own businesses. Furthermore, interest-free loans of up to 200,000 soms will be available for 1,000 participants, which will be an important step for their businesses.
Starting July 1, another significant program - "Bala Yrysy" will begin. This is a monthly payment of 1,200 soms for each child under three years old, regardless of the family's income. According to the National Statistics Committee, it will cover about 445,000 children, and more than 6 billion soms will be allocated annually for its implementation.
The "Kelechekke salym" program, initiated in 2024, continues to operate. In 2025, 3,378 children's accounts were opened, receiving 684 million soms. About 100 orphaned children have already used these funds.
All these measures should be viewed not just as numbers but as investments in the country's future. They are being implemented within the framework of a strategy developed by the Cabinet of Ministers under the leadership of Adylbek Kasymaliev and Minister of Labor Kanat Sagynbaev.
- Why is the unemployment rate changing slowly, and what are you doing to accelerate this process?
- Overall, the labor market situation is stable; however, there are objective reasons that slow down its dynamics.
According to the National Statistics Committee, as of September 1, 2025, the population of Kyrgyzstan was 7.373 million people. The labor force is 2.86 million, and the employed are 2.76 million. Over the past five years, employment has increased by 311,000 people.
Unemployment has decreased from 5.8% to 3.7%, which amounts to about 104,700 people. This is a good result.
However, population growth leads to an increase in the number of people entering the labor market, and job creation must occur faster than this growth.
There is also a structural problem: over 24% of the population works in the informal sector. Additionally, there is an imbalance: there are many unskilled workers, but a shortage of qualified specialists.
To accelerate the process, we are taking several steps. First, we are launching training and retraining programs based on the real needs of the market. Second, we are implementing the "Youth Internship" project, under which the state pays a stipend of 8,600 soms so that young people can secure a job. And third, we are actively developing self-employment through the "Social Contract."
- How does the ministry protect citizens working abroad?
- Protecting our citizens outside the country is an unconditional priority. We are strengthening organized employment to minimize the involvement of unscrupulous intermediaries. It is important that migrants leave for work legally and know the terms of employment.
We also place great importance on pre-departure training, educating them on legal literacy and informing them about the labor legislation of destination countries.
As part of the National Program until 2030, we are working to expand consular protection for our citizens. It is essential that they have access to medical and educational services, as well as pension mechanisms.
In 2026, we plan to open pre-departure training centers, the first of which will be in Osh, and then we will expand the network across the regions.
- Will social payments for low-income families be increased?
- We are gradually changing our approach to social policy: from dependency to development. The "Social Contract" program is a vivid example of this: over 30,000 families have already started their businesses and transitioned from receiving benefits to earning.
At the same time, support measures are being expanded. Starting in January, payments for mountainous areas are already in effect, and the "Bala Bereke" and "Bala Yrysy" programs are being implemented. The amount of the social contract has been increased to 150,000 soms.
As for further increases in payments, this depends on the budget's capabilities and the state of the economy. However, the overall course towards strengthening support remains.
- What changes will occur in the social services system?
- We are actively developing the social services market, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Currently, personal assistants are already in place, providing real help to those in need of care.
We are developing a mechanism that will allow people to choose: to receive a voucher for sanatorium treatment or a cash compensation.
Digitization is a key direction. The main tool will be the "Tündük" system, which will combine data on health, income, and education, allowing us to eliminate paper certificates.
-What is being done for returning migrants?
- We view them as a resource for the economy. Programs for their reintegration have been developed: training, entrepreneurship support, and assistance in starting a business.
Additionally, a mechanism for recognizing skills acquired abroad is being implemented. If a person worked, for example, in construction according to European standards, they will be able to confirm their qualifications in Kyrgyzstan.
I would like to specifically mention the "Mekeni 1+1" program, under which the state provides funding on the condition that the person invests an equal amount. These funds are directed towards business development in various fields, from industry to IT.
To date, 59 people have already received such support.
- Is there work being done with employers?
- Yes, and this work is systematic. In 2025, an updated Labor Code came into effect, which was adopted for the first time in 20 years. It takes into account modern forms of employment, such as remote work, electronic contracts, and electronic labor books.
Currently, we are working to align the regulatory framework with new realities and strengthen labor inspection.
We plan to create a scientific-economic council so that labor decisions are made based on analysis and expertise.
- Which sectors are currently the most promising for youth?
- First and foremost, it is IT and digital technologies. According to research, interest in these areas reaches 75% across the country.
Next in popularity are business and management, finance, tourism, and the service sector.
In the regions, there remains interest in agriculture, while in cities, there is a focus on service and digital professions.
It is also worth noting the growth of platform employment, such as delivery and taxi services.
But the key factor in all sectors is practical experience.
- When will a unified digital system for social payments be operational?
- We are already in the implementation stage. Currently, the Unified Social Security System is being tested, which will include 22 modules covering benefits, migration, and support for persons with disabilities.
New digital solutions are also being developed, including a migrant registry.
- What problems remain the most pressing?
- First of all, it is bureaucracy and a high share of informal employment.
To accelerate changes, we are transitioning to digital management and applying rapid reforms. For example, the number of certificates in the medical and social expertise system has been reduced from 6 to 2.
Some documents are already available online through "Tündük."
A separate issue is the targeting of assistance. For this, we are developing the "Electronic Social Passport" in "Sanarip Aiymak."
Our goal is to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it, and that people do not waste their energy on bureaucratic procedures.
