From Seasonal Workers in the UK to Successful Entrepreneurs in Tajikistan

New Mastchoh, Tajikistan – In northern Tajikistan, residents of New Mastchoh, a remote and sun-scorched village minutes from the Uzbek border, have been suffering from consecutive years of severe drought, with temperatures often reaching more than 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months.

Drought in the region caused by climate change is impacting farmers exponentially. Ismatullo, like most of his community, has no running water, relying primarily on agriculture to support his family. Reduced harvests have been devastating for those dependent on subsistence agriculture to survive in this arid region of Tajikistan. The severe annual drought conditions are degrading resources and livelihoods for Ismatullo and the families living precariously in New Mastchoh. “During summer, it can be very challenging – we are very limited in what we can grow because of the heat.”

Ismatullo and his cousins, Fakhriddin and Ikbol, used to regularly travel to Russia for work in order to make ends meet at home, especially during the hotter months when harvest yields were low. Last year, both cousins made the decision to travel to the United Kingdom to do temporary work on a farm in Canterbury as part of the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme.

Despite the UK being far from Russia which is the usual destination of choice for Tajik seasonal workers, Ismatullo travelled to the UK, with over 4,300 Tajiks in 2024 to take part in the seasonal work scheme. He harvested fruit and vegetables on UK farms, as migrant workers from Tajikistan continue to fill critical labour gaps in the UK’s agricultural sector.

The adverse effects and insecurity of climate change on livelihoods can often be a catalyst, driving people such as Ismatullo to move abroad for job opportunities. In the UK, the work was demanding but they managed to save enough money during their short stay to invest in their small farmstead in New Mastchoh upon their return.

Ismatullo explains that his two cousins received crucial guidance as they benefitted from an IOM financial literacy and investment training programme upon their return to Tajikistan. “They had to develop a business plan – we still have it! – and we discussed building on our peanut processing business.” The programme is funded by International Development from the UK government.

For Ismatullo and his family, this was one of several contingency plans they reverted to as they worked tirelessly, cleaning and processing their peanut crop to sell at local markets.

IOM’s financial literacy and investment training programme targets migrants returning to Tajikistan from seasonal work in the United Kingdom.

Since its inception in early 2024, the pilot programme has trained 160 migrants and their spouses throughout Tajikistan in the most sustainable ways to future-proof family businesses, as the uncertainties of climate change continue to pose ongoing challenges. During the three-day training, attendees work with an IOM business incubation expert to develop long-term and climate-proofing business plans. A selection panel then whittles the 160 participants down to 12, focusing on entrepreneurs with the most sustainable and business-savvy ideas.

“IOM firmly believes that migrants can be powerful agents of change. They bring innovation, diverse perspectives and resources that can transform communities,” explains Elizabeth Linklater, Programme Support Officer at IOM Tajikistan. “Diaspora remittances and returning migrants who had spent time working and living abroad are powerful agents to help communities adapt to climate change and invest in technology and modern equipment, while also supporting the economy through employment opportunities and increased trade,” added Elizabeth.

The programme has empowered 12 start-up owners by providing grants to get their businesses up and running. Out of the 12 grants provided this year, eight grantees have turned a profit in just five months – including Ismatullo. Due to the tangible impact of the pilot initiative, additional funding was made available by the UK Government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and IOM Tajikistan will invite 500 returning migrants and their family members to participate in the financial literacy and investment training programme. An additional 13 grants will be available this year to support more migrant workers upon their return after taking part in the UK’s Seasonal Worker Scheme.

Ismatullo’s business plan and the long-term potential impact was rewarded with a grant to purchase a brand-new peanut processing machine.

Their machinery was old and ineffective, often damaging the shells of their valuable cargo, which greatly reduced their earning potential. “We can’t sell them for much when they look like this,” explained Ismatullo.

Receiving the grant was a game-changer, empowering him to propel his business towards success. As soon as the machine arrived, the family sprang into action. The state-of-the-art processing machine enabled them to process their peanut crop to the highest possible standards – so much so that they subsequently set their eyes on selling their product internationally. They are already reaping the benefits and making a profit.
 

Other entrepreneurs in Ismatullo's small village have been inspired by the growth of his business and the improvement in their product quality. Many in their community now want to follow in their footsteps.

IOM Tajikistan continues to empower communities and in addition, works closely with Pre-Departure Orientation Centres (PDOCs) across all regions of Tajikistan. These centres, run by the Tajik Government’s Migration Services and the Ministry of Labour, are there to support intended and returning migrants working under the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme. This is part of IOM Tajikistan's broader strategy to empower the government in diversifying migration pathways to other destinations in Asia and Europe. IOM Tajikistan is also developing a rapid response plan with the Ministry of Labour to support Tajik migrants returning from Russia.

Migrants and diaspora communities contribute key skills as well financial resources, to both countries of origin and countries of residence. “We have seen a growing interest in the financial literacy sessions, particularly focusing on investing remittances and managing earnings both in the UK, and upon return to Tajikistan,” said Elizabeth Linklater.

Kamol Okili, Director of the PDOC in the region, further explained that other prospective migrants in the community are seeing the positive impacts from their neighbours, and they want to learn more. “When migrants come and participate in these trainings and make achievements in pursuit of their goals, it sets a good example for others to register for similar trainings – they are inspired.”

The Tajik Government sees the UK Seasonal Workers Scheme as one of Tajikistan’s most prioritized labour mobility pathways. The UK has a radically different migration context than that of Russia, with many cultural and linguistic challenges for Tajik migrants. Supported and developed by IOM Tajikistan, the Tajik Government has prioritized the institutionalization and delivery of Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) sessions, specifically for the UK Scheme. The sessions help ensure that migrants travelling abroad are equipped with up-to-date information before they embark on their journeys and that they have information about how to seek protection for their rights at different stages of their migration journey.

Ismatullo's story is a powerful reminder of how well-managed migration can be a force for good, for countries of origin, destination and for migrants themselves.

Fahriddin and Ikbol are now back in the UK for the new agricultural season, leaving Ismatullo to manage their thriving business at home.

Together as a family, they are proud to continue their journey as entrepreneurs and leave a tangible legacy in their community.

This story is written by Elizabeth Linklater, IOM Tajikistan