Migration agency takes action against Kun.uz criticisms with AIMC complaint
Foreign Labor Migration Agency Accuses News Website of Posting Unsubstantiated Reports
The Foreign Labor Migration Agency has accused Kun.uz, a news website, of posting unsubstantiated reports about problems related to organized labor migration and corruption within the agency. Over the last few months, Kun.uz has published several inquiries into issues such as cheating during language exams for migration to Korea, questionable activities by migration brokers, and payments not covered by interstate contracts. Despite the publication’s journalists presenting detailed evidence in their reports, the agency filed a complaint against Kun.uz with the Agency for Information and Mass Communications under the Presidential Administration, accusing Kun.uz of spreading rumors.
It should be noted that none of Kun.uz’s articles concerning labor migration to South Korea were based on rumors or unfounded claims. Kun.uz presented timely information about the late announcement of exam dates in Korea and instances of missed exams without any public announcement. Similarly, the website interviewed dissatisfied applicants who were unhappy with the agency’s work.
In the complaint, the agency accused the publication’s journalists of not cooperating and presenting evidence to the authorities. Still, Kun.uz denies receiving any such offers from the agency. Furthermore, the agency’s complaint letter claimed that if Kun.uz’s reports were studied according to relevant legislation, more violations of the law might be detected. However, this reflects poorly on the agency’s ability to manage the labor migration process and its readiness to work with journalists.
Given the numerous leadership changes and arrests within the agency, President Jakhongir Khudoykhodjaev has acknowledged the need for a complete overhaul of the corrupt system. Khudoykhodjaev’s predecessor left his post following a controversy around tests in 2017, and several other agency leaders have been arrested on charges of mismanagement. Despite Khudoykhodjaev’s appointment, however, the agency continues to quarrel with the media rather than addressing issues within the system.
