International labour migration in Azerbaijan in the context of interaction with the EAEU countries

The study considers the peculiarities of labour migration in Azerbaijan in the context of the development of regional integration processes. The study is based on the approach to statistical analysis of labour migration flows based on the method of ‘mirror’ statistics of sending and receiving countries. The analysis involves statistical data on demographic parameters, labour migration, employment, unemployment, remittances of migrants to Azerbaijan from several institutions and agencies. The aim of the study was to identify trends in international labour migration in Azerbaijan in two key flows - inbound and outbound migration. It analyses demographic, economic, socio-cultural and geopolitical factors shaping the flows of labour migrants in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a rather attractive country for labour migrants. Attraction of foreign labour force is based on a quota system. Quotas determine the number and procedural framework for hiring foreign labour force. Earlier Azerbaijan invited mostly foreign specialists related to oil and gas industry, later employers started to invite specialists and workers in construction business, agriculture, automotive industry, military production. There is also a need for IT specialists. Azerbaijan is not only a receiving but also a sending country for labour migrants. A significant number of Azerbaijanis went abroad in different years and for different reasons, entering the labour markets of receiving countries as migrant workers or permanent residents. The Russian Federation remains the largest external labour market for Azerbaijani citizens. Azerbaijan’s accession to the EAEU could significantly facilitate its citizens’ access to the common labour market.