MoU signed with Tajikistan to further protect workers’ rights

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of Tajikistan, to protect the rights of Tajik nationals who come to do agricultural work in the UK.

During a ceremony hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday (17 June 2025), Tajikistan’s Minister of Labour, Migration and Employment,  Soleha Kholmahmadzoda signed the memorandum in the presence of Samantha Ireland, Director of strategy and impact at the GLAA.

The memorandum outlines how the GLAA and the Tajikistan Government will continue working 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 Tajikistan.

The GLAA regulates employment agencies, labour providers and gangmasters who provide workers to the agriculture, horticulture and shellfish gathering sectors and any associated processing and packaging 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.

Samantha Ireland, who signed the agreement on behalf of the GLAA said: “Our organisation works hard to stop labour exploitation. This agreement makes sure that we have a mutual understanding that we will continue to work closely to protect the citizens of Tajikistan who come to work in the regulated sectors in the UK.