The Policy Issues for Social Protection System of the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

The Kyrgyz Republic is faced with socioeconomic issues such as overdependence on the remittance economy, increasing youth migration, a shortage of jobs for the productive population, and widespread informal work, all of which lead to insufficient social protection financing. Although the country’s social protection system is universal in coverage, it lacks support for the working-age population, and the benefit levels of the public assistance and pension systems are low. In addition, labor market policies are confronted with challenges such as inadequate employment insurance coverage due to the prevalence of informal work, a lack of job training and support programs, and a lack of social security benefits for returning migrant workers and their families. Therefore, the government of the Kyrgyz Republic needs to consider expanding social protection coverage for informal labor and returning migrant workers, allocating and securing sufficient resources, strengthening the authority of government departments, and integrating social protection and employment services.