Date of publication:

01/09/2026

Tajikistan

Do domestic laws and policies allow forcibly displaced and stateless persons to exercise liberal professions, when they hold relevant diplomas or qualifications?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Assessment by population
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Stateless persons
Analysis

Refugees in Tajikistan are permitted to participate in professional fields, including "liberal professions," as long as they possess the required diplomas or qualifications, which have passed through the diploma nostrification procedure as outlined in Part No. 21 of Article No.23 of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Education, and its subsequent recognition. The country's legal framework provides opportunities for refugees to apply their skills and education. The Labor Code of Tajikistan in Article No. 1 defines "suitable work" as employment that corresponds to an individual's education, specialization, professional training, work experience, and health condition, highlighting the recognition of professional qualifications in the labor market.  Additionally, if the selected profession requires obtaining a license, as stipulated by various legal acts related to the licensing of certain types of activities, individuals with the necessary qualifications can obtain licenses to practice in specific professional sectors, thereby facilitating the practice of a liberal profession.

Overall, while Tajikistan’s legal system enables refugees to engage in professional work with the right qualifications, they must navigate local labor laws and secure the necessary permits. Support programs are available to assist with this process, though some challenges may still require additional help.

 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Education

    Legal provision

    Part No. 21 of Article No.23 - Education documents

    Nostrification of Educational Documents from Foreign States The nostrification (recognition) of educational documents issued by foreign states that do not have a treaty or agreement with the Republic of Tajikistan on mutual recognition of educational documents is determined by the authorized state body for supervision in the field of education and science.

    Labor Code of the Republic of Tajikistan

    Legal provision

    Article No. 1 - Key Terms

    Suitable work – a job that corresponds to a person's gender, education, specialty, professional training, work experience, and conditions of their last workplace (excluding paid public works); takes into account the person's health condition; is located at a reasonable distance from their place of residence (no more than one hour of travel time); and guarantees a salary not lower than the officially established minimum wage, which the individual is capable of performing.