Bill on wage delay compensation advances to Senate

According to the Legislative Chamber, the bill is aimed at streamlining employment procedures, removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and strengthening the protection of workers' rights.

One of the key provisions clarifies the procedure for compensating employees when an employer fails to pay wages on time. Under the draft law, compensation would be payable for each day of delay. However, the chamber did not disclose how the compensation would be calculated or the rate that would apply.

Current legislation in Uzbekistan does not establish a uniform daily penalty for late wage payments. Compensation is instead determined under the Labor Code, collective agreements, employment contracts or other internal regulations.

The bill also proposes reducing the list of documents required when hiring employees. Under the new procedure, employers would generally need only an applicant's personal identification number. Individuals liable for military service or subject to conscription would also be required to provide either a military identification card or a certificate confirming military registration.

The proposed amendments further promote the digitalization of labor relations. Documents authenticated using an electronic digital signature or biometric verification through Face ID would be granted the same legal status as documents signed by hand.

The draft law also includes provisions aimed at preventing harassment and violence in the workplace. It introduces measures to prohibit such conduct, prevent violations and protect employees who become victims.

The Legislative Chamber has approved the bill and forwarded it to the Senate for consideration.

Before the legislation can enter into force, it must be approved by the Senate and signed by the president.