MoU signed with Uzbekistan to further protect workers’ right in the UK

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to protect the rights of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan who come to do agricultural work in the UK.   

During a ceremony hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Tuesday (16 September 2025), Mr Musayev, Director of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan signed the memorandum in the presence of Elysia McCaffrey, Chief Executive Officer of the GLAA.  

The memorandum outlines how the GLAA and the Uzbekistan Government will continue working together to ensure that workers’ rights are protected for those wishing to come and work in the UK, and that where recruitment agencies are being used, they are operating within the law, set out by the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.   

Around 45,000 seasonal workers visas were made available within the agricultural industry for international workers in 2025, with applicants from across the globe, including Uzbekistan.  

The GLAA regulates employment agencies, labour providers and gangmasters who provide workers to the  

sectors in the UK. Regulation ensures workers receive fair treatment, the pay, benefits and conditions they are entitled to, labour providers are not undercut by those who pay less than the minimum wage or avoid tax and consumers can be assured that their food has been picked and packed in an ethical environment.    

Elysia McCaffrey said: “Our organisation works hard to stop labour exploitation. This memorandum of understanding formalises our agreement to work closely to protect the citizens of Uzbekistan who come to work in the regulated sector in the UK.  

“We hope the agreement will further strengthen and develop the relationship between our organisations based on mutual solidarity and respect.   

The GLAA will continue to strengthen our work with international partners to stop worker exploitation in the UK.”