All officially employed Uzbek citizens will receive social benefits

Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation of proposals for improving the social insurance system, the presidential press service reports.

According to the information, not all citizens employed in the private sector are covered by maternity benefits, temporary disability, and dismissal payments. Such payments often increase the cost of production and reduce the competitiveness of enterprises. Employers, in turn, perceive such expenses as an additional burden.

Additionally, the amount of maternity benefits compensated from the budget remains low, making the system less attractive for entrepreneurs. In accordance with the international labor organization’s conventions — “On Minimum Social Security Standards” and “On Maternity Protection” — payments for pregnancy and illness should be made through social insurance mechanisms.

At the presentation, proposals aimed at expanding the coverage of the population with social benefits and bringing the national social insurance system in line with international standards were considered. The authorities want to gradually cover all officially employed citizens with payments from the Social Protection Fund. Starting from 2026, the fund will begin paying maternity benefits, and from the second half of 2026, temporary disability benefits.

As the president emphasized, the main goal of the new system is not only to strengthen the social protection of women and workers, but also to stimulate official labor relations. The President approved the proposals and gave specific instructions on digitalizing the social insurance system, ensuring its transparency, and introducing a proactive procedure for assigning and paying benefits.

Earlier, it was reported that 87 billion soums would be spent in Tashkent on salaries and social sphere. The authorities will also compensate for the costs associated with the increase in electricity tariffs.