Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan agree to simplify pension calculations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Citizens of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan who have worked in both countries will be able to combine their accumulated work experience when determining their eligibility for a pension under a new agreement signed by the two countries.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the agreement on cooperation in pension provision on 23 August.

The agreement allows periods of employment completed in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to be combined if the work experience accumulated in one country alone is insufficient to qualify for a pension.

Each country will independently calculate and pay its share of pension benefits based on the work experience accumulated within its territory.

The agreement also provides for the continued payment of an awarded pension if a pensioner moves to another country. Payments will not be reduced, suspended or terminated solely because the recipient lives in the other country or in a third state.

The agreement is also intended to simplify interaction with pension authorities. Applications for the award, recalculation or payment of a pension may be submitted to the relevant institution in either country. In cases covered by the agreement, such an application will be considered as having been submitted in the other country as well.

Pension authorities in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will be able to exchange the necessary documents and information directly. The competent institutions will also be able to exchange information and provide mutual assistance in awarding and paying pensions.

The agreement therefore provides for simplified administrative procedures for citizens who have accumulated work experience in both countries.

The document will enter into force after the completion of the necessary domestic procedures. The countries will establish the practical arrangements for implementing the agreement through a separate administrative agreement.