Understanding Employee Leave Policies in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's labor legislation provides comprehensive leave entitlements for employees, balancing worker welfare with organizational needs. As global HR professionals, understanding these regulations is crucial for effective workforce management in this emerging market.

Annual Leave Entitlements

Full-time employees in Uzbekistan are legally entitled to a minimum of 15 calendar days of paid annual leave. Many organizations exceed this baseline, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare where 18-24 days are common. Service increments add 2 additional days for every 5 years of employment, up to a maximum of 8 extra days.

Special provisions apply to younger workers under 18 and employees with recognized disabilities, who receive 30 calendar days of annual leave. Collective bargaining agreements often establish more favorable terms than statutory minimums.

Employees typically gain full leave access after six months of service, though early utilization is possible with employer consent. Unused leave generally cannot accumulate beyond two years and must be monetized upon employment termination.

Sick Leave Provisions

Medical leave compensation ranges from 60-80% of average earnings, funded through the national social insurance system. Work-related injuries or occupational diseases qualify for 100% salary replacement. Medical certification is required, with maximum coverage extending to 30 calendar days.

Maternity and Parental Leave

Female employees receive 126 calendar days of fully paid maternity leave, typically structured as 70 days prenatal and 56 days postnatal. Complex deliveries or multiple births extend this period to 140 days. Compensation is provided through social security funds.

While paternity leave isn't legally mandated, progressive employers often offer 3-7 days of paid leave for new fathers. Following maternity leave, parents can access paid childcare leave until the child reaches two years, with optional unpaid extension to three years.

Unpaid Leave and Public Holidays

Employees may request unpaid personal leave through mutual agreement with employers, typically limited to three months total within a year. Exceptional circumstances such as public health emergencies may extend this to six months.

Uzbekistan observes nine national holidays annually, with makeup days provided when holidays coincide with weekends. The 2025 holiday calendar includes:

Holiday	Date
New Year	December 30 - January 2*
International Women's Day	March 8*
Navruz Spring Festival	March 21
Eid al-Fitr	March 30*
Memorial Day	May 9
Eid al-Adha	June 7
Independence Day	September 1
Teacher's Day	October 1
Constitution Day	December 8

*Indicates holidays with compensatory days off when falling on weekends.

Navigating Compliance Challenges

International companies like SailGlobal frequently encounter complexities in managing Uzbekistan's leave regulations. One technology firm discovered their HR system automatically capped annual leave at 15 days, inadvertently violating service increment requirements for long-term staff. Another manufacturing company faced penalties for not properly documenting sick leave compensation calculations.

Successful implementation requires understanding both legal requirements and practical applications. SailGlobal's experience shows that centralized tracking systems and local legal counsel are essential components for compliance.

Uzbekistan Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, Maternity Leave Policies