4-7 November 2024, Turkistan, Kazakhstan – Turkistan welcomes a Training of Trainers (ToT), organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).  The training aims to build the capacities of Labour Mobility Centres (LMCs) in effectively preparing Kazakh citizens for seasonal job opportunities in the United Kingdom under the UK’s Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS).

The SWS provides seasonal workers entry and employment in the UK for up to 6 months to fill seasonal gaps in agriculture, including poultry and horticulture. The number of Kazakh citizens receiving a UK Seasonal Worker visa has grown considerably over the past few years. In 2023, the number of Kazakh seasonal workers visiting the UK reached a record high of 5,018.

Considering the growth in recruitment of Kazakh citizens under the SWS, it is imperative that the workers’ migration experiences are as positive as possible - from the recruitment process, to employment, to return - to mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits of this migration for the livelihoods and quality of life of migrants and their families.

LMCs are key institutions in preparing potential labour migrants for working abroad and in the UK specifically through the Pre-departure Orientation (PDO) sessions. The PDO sessions offered by LMCs will cover a wide range of topics such as health and safety at workplace, living conditions, communication channels in case of emergencies, and financial literacy, including how to manage remittances. These sessions are designed to improve the knowledge of migrants about their destination countries and equip them with practical information about living and working abroad and emergency contacts.

The sessions are conducted in English, Russian, and Kazakh, with simultaneous interpretation provided. Around 80 trainers from LMCs are expected to develop the skills necessary to deliver effective orientation to future seasonal workers. The training is part of the IOM project funded by UK International Development from the UK Government.