Fake Recruiter Scams in Uzbekistan
Fraudulent employment agencies in Uzbekistan charge workers seeking jobs in Russia, South Korea, and the Gulf states upfront fees for positions that do not exist.
Part of: Fake Recruiters
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Labour migration is a major feature of Uzbekistan's economy, with millions of Uzbek citizens working abroad — primarily in Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Gulf states. This large and sustained demand for overseas employment makes Uzbekistan a prime target for fake recruitment agencies that collect fees for non-existent positions.
The problem is compounded by the fact that many genuine overseas work opportunities do require legitimate intermediary services, making it harder for prospective workers to distinguish real agencies from fraudulent ones.
How this scam works on Uzbekistan
Fake recruitment agencies in Uzbekistan operate in Tashkent, Samarkand, and other major cities, as well as in smaller towns where victims may have less awareness of fraud risks. They advertise positions with above-market salaries in South Korean manufacturing, Gulf construction, or Russian logistics, collecting fees in stages — registration, medical, visa, and travel.
Online variants use Telegram channels, which are widely used in Uzbekistan, to post job listings and collect applications. Victims are directed to pay fees via bank transfer or mobile payment, then receive forged visa documentation that is rejected on arrival at the destination country.
Scams targeting young women have included fraudulent domestic worker or hospitality positions abroad that turn out to involve very different and exploitative working conditions — making this a fraud type with potentially severe consequences beyond financial loss.
Common red flags
- Agency charges fees before providing a verified employment contract from the actual employer
- Offered salary is far above the going rate for the role in the destination country
- Agency cannot be verified through Uzbekistan's Agency for External Labour Migration
- Communication becomes Telegram-only after initial fees are paid
- Visa documentation cannot be verified with the relevant embassy
- Recruiter discourages direct contact with the named foreign employer
How to protect yourself
- Verify recruitment agencies through Uzbekistan's Agency for External Labour Migration (Tashkent bureau)
- Never pay placement fees — legitimate overseas employers cover recruitment costs
- Verify the job offer directly with the foreign employer's official HR contact
- Check with the relevant embassy that the advertised work programme exists
- Exercise particular caution with any overseas hospitality or domestic work offer
How to report it
- Report to the Agency for External Labour Migration of Uzbekistan
- File a complaint with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Internal Affairs cybercrime department
- Report to the relevant foreign embassy if fraudulent visa documentation was provided
Frequently asked questions
Does Uzbekistan's Agency for External Labour Migration charge workers fees?
The agency facilitates legal migration but legitimate placement in officially registered programmes does not involve ad hoc fees paid to private intermediaries. Any such demand should be verified directly with the agency.