Uzbekistan Expands Social Benefits for Cultural Workers

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is expanding its system of social support for workers in the fields of culture and the arts. The announcement was made by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting with representatives of the creative community.

Under the announced measures, 1,000 poets, writers, cultural figures, museum staff and artists will receive compensation covering 50% of the initial payment on mortgage loans for housing purchases each year.

Housing rent compensation

The President noted that many specialists working in cultural organizations and institutions have relocated from other regions. In response, the government will introduce rent compensation starting from the current period:

* up to 2.5 million soums per month in Tashkent;

* up to 1.6 million soums per month in the regions.

Medical and social benefits

Each year, 1,000 high-performing cultural workers will be eligible for free treatment funded by the State Health Insurance Fund.

In addition, another 2,000 cultural professionals will be provided with health insurance. Employees with at least 10 years of service will receive free sanatorium vouchers.

It was also reported that from 15 June, cultural workers holding honorary titles, including “People’s Artist,” “People’s Poet,” and “People’s Writer,” will be able to use VIP lounges at airports and railway stations free of charge.