The document was developed by the Ministry of Justice on the basis of the analysis of appeals of individuals and legal entities.

Article 37 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan sets that everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to fair working conditions and to protection from unemployment in accordance with the procedure established by law.

Article 6 of the Labor Code prohibits discrimination in labor relations. However, the current legislation does not specifically provide for the right to work and free choice of work to persons, who were earlier convicted, or have convicted relatives.

The Ministry of Justice notes that in practice there are cases of denial of employment based on the previous conviction of the applicant or relative.

The Ministry developed the draft law, which envisages introduction of amendments and additions to the Labor Code.

The amendments will set a ban on refusal to hire applicants because of his/her criminal records, with the exception of cases stipulated by law, or due to previous convictions of close relatives.

The proposed changes and additions will serve to ensure exercise by citizens of the rights to work and free choice of work.

The draft law was duly submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.