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Although Tajikistan is one of the few remaining countries in Central Asia allowing refugees to work giving them access to social securit benefits, finding employment that covers their living expenses is difficult.
In a one case, Nelofar Moradat, a computer science student from Kabul who fled Afghanistan, qualified for Vocational Training and now has her own beauty parlor in Vakhdat, a nexus of Afghan refugees. Unfortunately, her income is not enough to cover rent on her family’s apartment. Farid Ahmad, a former bank clerk in Afghanistan, currently works as a cobbler in the Vakhdat bazaar.
With 20 million refugees globally and more selective criteria for admission, the approximately 2,200 Afghan refugees living in Tajikistan foresee a long wait before resettling in Afghanistan or a third country. Consequently, the UN works to improve local integrations so refugees can live with dignity.
While some refugees manage to start businesses in Tajikistan, they also become targets for corrupt officials demanding bribes. Vasidin Gardi, who worked as an interpreter for US forces in Afghanistan left after some people started following him beating him up after questioning. Friends in Vakhdat gave him a job in their garment shop.
Afghan refugees also pay inflated rental charges. Normally the price for a two-room apartment is $50 but they pay $100 or more. Consequently, across the board rent inflation is occurring and local communities blame the refugees.
Since refugees receive some support from NGOs and international organizations, local residents misjudging the resources provided believe they have more money. To help remedy the situation, the Danish Refugee Council sponsors meetings to correct misconceptions and improve relations between the refugee and local Tajikistan communities.
Omega International Associates works to expand vocational training for people at risk. Please contact us to learn how you can help.
