Labor Inspectorate recovers UZS 159 billion in unpaid wages in 2025

The State Labor Inspectorate ensured the recovery of UZS 159 billion in unpaid wages in favor of 13,000 employees during 2025, First Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction Marat Juraev said at a plenary session of the Senate of Oliy Majlis on December 19.

Administrative fines totaling UZS 22 billion were imposed on 8,259 officials found responsible for these violations.

Inspections related to workplace safety and labor protection covered 7,327 enterprises and organizations, where nearly 11,000 violations were identified.

During the reporting period, 731 workplace accidents occurred across the country. As a result, 813 workers were injured, including 212 fatalities. Severe injuries were sustained by 535 people, while 26 suffered minor injuries. By sector, 198 accidents occurred in construction, 43 in light industry, 36 in transport, 35 in agriculture, and the remainder in other sectors.

Investigations into workplace accidents revealed 2,372 violations of labor legislation. Administrative fines totaling about UZS 1 billion were imposed on responsible officials, and criminal cases were initiated in 196 instances. Since the beginning of the year, UZS 6.1 billion in compensation payments has been recovered for injured workers and their family members.

The first deputy minister also addressed the legalization of informal employment. As part of this effort, the labor inspectorate, together with assistants to governors in neighborhoods, conducted an inventory of 17,000 enterprises. As a result, 80,000 jobs were formally registered.

Juraev noted that violations of labor rights are frequently recorded in state-funded organizations, including local administrations as well as educational and healthcare institutions.

“Cases of unlawful dismissal are particularly common in state-funded organizations. In many instances, even when an employee has violated labor discipline, the dismissal is deemed unlawful due to failure to comply with technical or organizational procedures, such as timely notification or proper documentation. As a result, courts order the reinstatement of employees,” Marat Juraev said.

In this regard, he added, the labor inspectorate is working jointly with the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Health to improve legislation, including rules on dismissals and procedures for issuing temporary disability certificates.

According to Juraev, the ministry is also working to introduce an online question-and-answer system on labor relations using artificial intelligence. A database of 10,000 questions and answers is planned, enabling citizens to receive consultations online.