Overall Goal 

CA has historically been characterized by complex migration patterns, particularly involving labor migration to Russia and other countries. However, recent global and regional developments have affected these patterns, creating new risks and vulnerabilities for migrants. 

The Russian war in Ukraine has disrupted traditional migration routes and created economic instability, prompting migrants to reconsider their destinations or return home. Many Central Asian migrants in Russia have faced increased challenges, including economic difficulties, legal uncertainties, and instances of discrimination, which have influenced migration decisions across the region. Additionally, events  such as the terrorist attack at the Crocus center, which resulted in casualties, have heightened security concerns, further complicating migration flows and the risks migrants face. At the same time, new migration opportunities are emerging in the EU, UK, Turkey, Western Europe and other countries, offering alternatives for Central Asian migrants. These destinations provide prospects for better wages, safer working conditions, and more transparent legal frameworks. As a result, there is growing interest among migrants in diversifying their migration routes, particularly to countries that prioritize skilled labor and temporary work programs. This shift underscores the importance of exploring alternative pathways to ensure safer, more secure migration options for Central Asian workers. 

SMICA aims to conduct action research to better understand how various factors are reshaping migration patterns within and from CA. The research will focus on analyzing the changes in migrant flows, vulnerabilities, and opportunities to ensure that migration remains safe and rights-based while identifying areas where support and interventions are most needed. This initiative underscores SMICA’s commitment to adapting its strategies to the evolving realities faced by migrants and their communities. 

The research should mainly focus on labor migrants from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan, which are countries of origin in Central Asian region. Kazakhstan should be reviewed as a country of destination.   

Submission Deadlines 

Proposals must be received no later than 17:00 Almaty time on January 23, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. All proposals are to be submitted following the guidelines listed below. Telephone requests will not be honored.

Winrock International may request additional documentation after the bid/proposal deadline.

Submission Delivery Address 

Please submit all documentation to:

Email: SMICAProcurement@winrock.org with the subject line “Action research on migration patterns”

Please include the name of the person in your organization who is submitting the application as well as the current telephone and email contacts.

Submission Questions and Clarifications 

Inquiries/questions must be received no later than January 12, 2024, 17:00 Almaty time and must be submitted via e-mail to SMICAProcurement@winrock.org.

Winrock will evaluate complete vendor proposals to determine which proposal represents the best value to Winrock. Winrock reserves the right to negotiate with the vendors.