The issue of youth employment in Kyrgyzstan remains acute: young people face serious obstacles when trying to enter the labor market. Statistics show that citizens aged 16 to 35 make up about 35% of the population, and their potential is a key economic resource for the country.
According to information from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, with proper integration, youth can significantly contribute to the increase of gross domestic product, expansion of the tax base, and creation of new sectors. However, otherwise, the risk of informal employment and external labor migration increases.
As part of a study commissioned by the Ministry of Labor involving 2,500 employers and 50 educational institutions, the main problems faced by youth in the labor market were identified.
The first of these is the structure of businesses: about 83% of operating companies are small. These enterprises typically do not have the resources for long-term training and mentoring, leading employers to seek employees who are ready to start work immediately.
The second important aspect is the mismatch between youth expectations and actual market demand. More than 75% of employers note a high interest among youth in IT and digital technologies. However, most jobs are created in areas such as trade, food production, and the textile industry, resulting in an imbalance between supply and demand.
The third barrier is related to the lack of practical skills. In some regions, over 70% of companies indicate a lack of necessary experience among applicants. Having a diploma does not always guarantee the ability to work with accounting programs, budgeting documentation, or contracts. Employers value practical readiness to perform tasks more than theoretical knowledge.
It is also important to consider the expectations of youth. Many young specialists expect a starting salary in the range of 60,000 to 80,000 soms, while small businesses offer a different model — gradual salary increases as skills are acquired.
Thus, a vicious circle is formed: without the necessary experience, it is difficult to get a job, and without a job, it is impossible to gain that experience.
