CIS Forum Advances Plans for Unified Labour Market and Migration Cooperation

The 10th St. Petersburg International Labour Forum served as a major platform for discussing the development of labour markets, migration regulation, and legislative cooperation across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The event brought together parliamentarians, government officials, international organizations, and experts to address current challenges in labour mobility and workforce development.

A central figure of the forum was IPA CIS Council Secretary General Dmitriy Kobitskiy, who highlighted the strategic importance of building a coordinated CIS-wide labour market. He emphasized that digital transformation, automation, and structural labour shortages require closer integration and harmonized policy approaches among member states. According to him, the Update Concept of Phased Formation of Common Labour Market and Regulation of Labor Migration in the CIS, adopted in 2024, provides a legal basis for deeper cooperation.

Alongside Dmitriy Kobitskiy, other officials also contributed to the discussions. Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Nurlan Seitimov stressed that the development of a coordinated migration policy remains a key integration priority for the region. He noted ongoing efforts to improve legal frameworks, strengthen protection of migrants’ rights, and enhance mechanisms for combating irregular migration. Chairman of the Saint-Petersburg Committee for Labour and Employment Vasiliy Ponidelko presented organizational aspects of the forum and highlighted its role as a leading Eurasian platform for labour policy dialogue.

A key part of the forum was the international conference “Common Migration Space of CIS Member States: Current Challenges and Prospects for Development.” Participants examined issues such as organized labour recruitment, pre-migration training, recognition of qualifications, and the use of digital platforms to ensure transparent and legal migration channels. Special attention was given to addressing labour shortages while maintaining social protection and security standards.

The discussions also included participation from representatives of international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Health Organization (WHO), who contributed perspectives on global migration governance and humanitarian standards.

Participants further reviewed IPA CIS model legislative acts aimed at harmonizing national labour and migration laws. The importance of coordinated legal frameworks, improved social guarantees, and regulated labour mobility was emphasized as essential for sustainable economic development across the CIS region.

Overall, the forum reaffirmed parliamentary cooperation as a key instrument for shaping a common labour space, strengthening migration governance, and supporting economic integration in the CIS.