Visa & Labor Mobility: South Korea confirmed Kazakhstan will get an E-9 visa quota from 2028, opening work mainly in manual sectors like farming, manufacturing, construction, hospitality and cleaning—another sign of Central Asia’s role in filling labor gaps. Standards & Digital Governance: Uzbekistan will become a full International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) member from Jan. 1, 2027, letting it directly shape global electrical and tech standards and expand cooperation on AI, cybersecurity and energy efficiency. Media & Public Oversight: Uzbekistan’s Union of Journalists says it will support bloggers facing information-blocking or pressure, but leadership remains unclear after the proposed council’s expected head declined the role. Consumer Protection: Uzbekistan’s Senate adopted amendments to the “On Advertising” law requiring loan and microloan ads to include warnings about financial risks tied to over-borrowing and missed repayments. Trade Disruption: Uzbek exporters complain that Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russia’s Wildberries logistics is hitting sales through the platform, with some firms reporting sharp year-to-date declines. Regional Connectivity: Etihad Airways launched daily Abu Dhabi–Tashkent flights, positioning Tashkent as its first Central Asia destination and leaving an Almaty start for later.