Uzbekistan Implements New State Social Insurance System Aligned with International Standards

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan continues its explanatory and expert work on the implementation of a new state social insurance system, adoption of which marks a key stage in modernizing social protection for the population.

The new law establishes a comprehensive model of support for citizens, combining mandatory and voluntary insurance coverage, and has already attracted attention from international specialists and relevant organizations.

Social protection is recognized as a fundamental indicator of state resilience, reflecting not only the level of economic development but also the degree of government responsibility toward society. International experience shows that in developed countries, social insurance systems serve as critical socio-economic institutions, fostering growth in formal employment, reducing the shadow economy, and strengthening trust in state institutions. Experts emphasize that each country must develop its own approach to implementing such reforms, adapting them to national conditions and socio-economic realities.

Discussions have focused on practical aspects of the new system, including insurance benefits for temporary disability, incapacity, job loss, and worker protection in the event of workplace accidents. Special attention has also been given to maternity benefits, aimed at providing women with financial stability during childcare. Experts are also considering expanding coverage to include parental leave accessible to men, which could help promote gender equality.

The adoption of the state social insurance law represents an important milestone in the ongoing improvement of the country’s social protection system.

A recent event dedicated to the implementation and further development of the new model was held as an open dialogue between representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and financial institutions. During discussions, participants noted that the reform will significantly expand social protection coverage, reduce the financial burden on employers, and create additional incentives for formal employment.

According to estimates, the social insurance system will cover about 2 million employees of public institutions, more than 3.5 million citizens employed in the private sector, and over 7 million individual entrepreneurs, self-employed persons, and workers outside the formal economy. In 2026, the Social Insurance Fund plans to proactively provide maternity benefits to nearly 180,000 insured citizens, with total funding of approximately 3.5 trillion soms.

Participants emphasized that the legal framework of the reforms was developed based on international standards. The law aligns with key conventions of the International Labour Organization, reflecting Uzbekistan’s phased transition to globally recognized approaches in social protection.

Experts note that the legislation serves two strategic functions simultaneously: it enhances household resilience by protecting against social risks and makes formal employment more attractive, supporting labor market formalization and economic growth.

The World Bank has made a significant contribution to developing the state social insurance system. At a recent roundtable in Tashkent involving the National Agency for Social Protection, the International Labour Organization, UN agencies, and international financial institutions, practical issues related to implementing the law—effective from January 1 of this year—were discussed.

World Bank representatives highlighted their financial and technical support in establishing the National Agency for Social Protection and developing the regulatory framework for the reform. Experts also stressed the importance of accurate actuarial calculations, process digitalization, and proactive benefit allocation as key tools for increasing the effectiveness of social policy.

They identified the next crucial steps as finalizing the design of insurance payments and conducting a large-scale information campaign to ensure citizens fully understand how the new system operates.

The new state social insurance system is viewed as one of the most significant social reforms in recent years, establishing a solid foundation for a modern, sustainable, and transparent model of social protection aimed at improving the quality of life for the population.