Uzbekistan considers scrapping mandatory three-year work requirement for state-funded graduates

The proposed legislation seeks to move away from the current "one-size-fits-all" model. Under the new framework, the existing requirement for state-funded students to serve a minimum of three years in a designated role would be eliminated.

In its place, the duration of mandatory service would be determined on a case-by-case basis by an authorized regulatory body. This differentiated approach will account for the specific needs and professional characteristics of various industries, ensuring that workforce distribution is both efficient and strategic.

Beyond the service duration, the draft resolution introduces critical updates to legal terminology to reduce administrative friction:

• Residential flexibility: The term "permanent residence" is slated to be replaced by the broader "place of residence."
• Legal clarity: Officials noted that this shift is intended to eliminate legal ambiguities and provide graduates with more flexibility in where they fulfill their professional obligations.

Authorities emphasize that these reforms are designed to create a more transparent and responsive employment ecosystem. By transitioning to a flexible distribution model, the government hopes to improve employment outcomes and ensure that the skills of new professionals are used where they are most needed.

The draft resolution is currently undergoing public and institutional consultation. Final details and specific implementation timelines are expected to be clarified following the conclusion of these discussions.