President of Uzbekistan Approves Reform of Social Insurance System

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 October, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on proposals to improve Uzbekistan’s social insurance system.

As part of the “From Poverty to Prosperity” program, large-scale reforms continue in the country to increase employment and expand citizens’ participation in entrepreneurship. These measures have reduced the poverty rate from 17% in 2021 to 6.8%, while the share of families receiving low-income benefits dropped from 14% to 6.1%. The government places particular emphasis on protecting citizens’ income and supporting them in difficult life circumstances.

The presentation highlighted key issues needing attention. Not all private-sector employees currently receive maternity, temporary disability, or severance benefits. Employers often perceive such payments as increasing production costs and reducing competitiveness, while budget-compensated maternity benefits remain low, limiting the system’s attractiveness for business.

However, under International Labour Organization conventions — “On Minimum Standards of Social Security” and “On the Protection of Maternity” — payments for maternity and sickness should be provided through social insurance mechanisms.

Proposals include expanding social benefit coverage to all formally employed citizens and aligning the national insurance system with international standards. Starting in 2026, the Social Protection Fund will begin paying maternity benefits, followed by temporary disability benefits in the second half of the year.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the main goal of the reform is not only to strengthen social protection for women and workers but also to encourage formal employment relationships. He approved the proposals and instructed measures to digitize the social insurance system, ensure transparency, and implement a proactive approach to benefit assignment and payment.