Uzbekistan plans to recognise foreign work experience when assigning pensions

Uzbekistan plans to expand the recognition of work experience and pension rights of citizens who worked legally abroad. The authorities intend to sign relevant agreements with Russia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Baltic states and the Balkan region.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev raised the issue on 2 November at a meeting on labour migration. He noted that Uzbek citizens work legally in more than 40 countries, where they pay taxes and pension contributions. According to him, foreign work experience should be taken into account after returning home, including when a pension is assigned.

This year Uzbekistan has already signed bilateral agreements on recognising work experience and pension rights with Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Responsible agencies have been instructed to negotiate with other countries and report results by the end of the year. Earlier, it was reported that since the start of 2026, 1.116 million citizens who had worked abroad have returned to Uzbekistan. By year-end, the government plans to provide jobs for 250,000 of them and support those wishing to start their own business.