Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 8 May, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree aimed at expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the document outlines a comprehensive set of measures to create additional pathways for vocational training for young people with disabilities and to facilitate their effective integration into the labor market.

Under the decree, the government aims to secure permanent employment for 80,000 people with disabilities by the end of this year. Starting from 1 June, entrepreneurs who hire individuals with Group I or II disabilities will be eligible for state subsidies of up to 50 million Uzbek soums. These funds are intended to offset costs associated with hiring sign language interpreters, psychologists, and social partners who provide on-the-job support for employees with disabilities.

Additionally, the provision of such support services will now be officially recognized as a permitted activity for self-employed individuals. The decree also mandates the introduction of an electronic registry of employable persons with disabilities within the Unified National Social Protection System. This will enable more responsive planning and service delivery based on the specific needs and capabilities of this demographic.

It is worth noting that back in December 2021, the president had already instructed the government to provide subsidies to employers who hire persons with disabilities or health limitations. The support totals 1.5 times the base calculation amount (currently 562,500 soums) per employee and is provided over a six-month period following their hiring. The government also reimburses the mandatory social tax contributions for these workers.

All employers are eligible for these subsidies, with the exception of budget-funded organizations, state institutions, and enterprises with more than 50% state ownership. Applications are submitted through the EPIGU online platform.