Unemployment in Kyrgyzstan has fallen to 3.7%, and most internship participants have found jobs

In Kyrgyzstan, the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.7%. At the same time, nearly 68% of participants in state-sponsored youth internship programs were able to find employment after completing the programs. This was announced by Nargiza Turkebekova, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, while speaking at the Second National Forum on Employment and Vocational Education.

According to the ministry, the country’s labor force currently stands at 2.86 million people. Of these, 2.75 million Kyrgyz citizens are employed, while 104,700 remain officially unemployed.

The authorities cite youth internships as one of the key tools for combating unemployment. A pilot project is already underway in 30 cities and districts across the country. After training, participants are placed in practical training and internships with employers, and by the end of 2025, 67.8% of program participants had secured employment.

The Ministry of Labor notes that the government intends to continue expanding employment support measures, particularly among youth and socially vulnerable groups.

Another area of support is the “social contract” mechanism. Over the past four years, the program has covered approximately 48,000 families. The amount of financial assistance was increased to 150,000 KGS, and some participants, according to the ministry, were able to significantly increase their families’ incomes.

The main topics of the forum were the shortage of skilled workers, changes in the labor market, and the need to adapt the system of professional training to new economic conditions.