Women in the private sector gain the right to maternity benefits

From 1 January 2026 Uzbekistan operates a unified state social insurance system covering not only the public sector but private employment as well. Women working for private companies have gained the right to maternity benefits.

Previously only around 15,000 of the roughly 150,000 women giving birth each year in the private sector received social payments. The rest fell outside the system.

The amount is determined individually, taking into account length of service, taxes paid and insurance contributions. With at least six months of continuous service with legal entities (other than budget organisations) or individual entrepreneurs, the Social Insurance Fund pays a benefit of 4 MRP — 2.676 million soums.

To participate you must register in the Social Insurance module — via ENST, EPIGU, Insan centres or banks — and pay the minimum insurance contribution yourself.

What this means in practice: The right does not arise automatically: without registration in the Social Insurance module and payment of the contribution, no benefit is awarded.